My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my biggest indicators of a well-written book is if I am transported to that world in such a way that I can see, hear, and even smell it. Sara Gruen sweeps a 93 year old Jacob Jankowski quickly into your heart before tossing you into the world of his 23 year old self. We are there to witness the moment in this man's life when the smooth path he is on is up-heaved with the death of his parents and the loss of his future veterinary practice. His new course turns out to be on the tracks and with the belly of the circus.
With the help of an old roustabout, Jacob learns the language and hierarchy of the circus, and eventually lands a job as the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth's vet. We learn with our protagonist the dirty reality of day to day life of a traveling circus in 1931. A colorful host of secondary characters help Jacob on his journey, with the most important being Marlena, the show's star equestrian, and her husband, the cruel animal master, August.
Jacob and Marlena's paths soon become twisted and intertwined as the fall in love, and try to find their escape from her insane, brutal husband and the circus that they are trapped in serving. Their answer comes in the form of an elephant named Rosie, and a fateful disaster that destroys those holding them back, while free the lovers to their happily ever after.
This story comes full circle in the end as 93 year old Jacob finds himself once again at the gates of the big top, and is given a chance to go home once again.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This quick read is essential for any loyal Browncoat. If you ever pondered the past of our good Shepard with his mysterious knowledge of the Alliance, fighting, and weaponry, you will enjoy The Shepard's Tale. You hop through time starting with Shepard's death, as depicted in the movie Serenity, back to the boy who first left on this adventure. Watch as his life unfolds in reverse to see who the man was before Kaylee convinced him that Serenity was the place for him.
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