Jacob Jankowski, 90 years old and living in a nursing home, tells how, orphaned and penniless during the Great Depression, he became an animal trainer in a circus. In his days with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, he falls in love with the beautiful performer Marlena--and also with the delightful Rosie the elephant.
Ninety-something-year-old Jacob Jankowski remembers his time in the circus as a young man during the Great Depression, and his friendship with Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, and Rosie, the elephant, who gave them hope. Reader's Guide included. Reprint.
Ninety-something-year-old Jacob Jankowski remembers his time in the circus as a young man during the Great Depression, and his friendship with Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, and Rosie, the elephant, who gave them hope. Reader's Guide included. Reprint.
Review 1:
"For pure story, this colorful, headlong tale of Depression-era circus simply can't be beat. Heroes, villains, romance, a wild-animal stampede! Big fun from page 1."
12/28/2007
Review 2:
"Gruen skillfully humanizes the midgets, drunks, rubes and freaks who populate her book."
5/26/2006