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Ever want to run away an join the circus? Maybe you should read this book first. Sara Gruen puts the Readers of Water for Elephant's deep into the world of a depression era circus. The book is like taking a tour with the tent flaps pulled back. Warning - there are sections too graphical for most and offensive to some, but they are perhaps an accurate portrayal. I admit I know little about carnivals, circus folks or even the depression era -- but the book certainly has a feel of accuracy. The same could be said of her portrayal of the elderly main character. Overall I have to say the character development was somewhat short of what I felt it could be. In other words, I wanted to know more about them than was provided. Perhaps that was her intent, leave them wanting more as they say. In the character development she does give us a picture of a variety of people some innocent, some down right despicable, and some landing in the middle ground. I was reminded of John Irving which is no small compliment. The main character, a vet school drop out, winds up traveling with a small time (with big aspirations) circus where he finds the cruelest of humanity, but in this low caste he finds friendship, honor and even love. He is a bit of hero through out the book, but never through any great fantastic act of heroism(unless you count the fight). It's better than most books people will read, not quite a classic but surely worth your time and dime.