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Description
As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis
Cast of Characters
- Jacob Jankowski: Narrator of the story who, as a young man, becomes the circus' vet.
- Marlena: August's wife and a performer in the circus
- August: Marlena's husband and the head trainer at the circus
- Uncle Al: Circus owner
- Rosie: An elephant who's part of the circus act
Memorable Quotes
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“Nothing happens to me anymore. That's the reality of getting old, and I guess that's really the crux of the matter. I'm not ready to be old yet.”
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“"In the entire history of our marriage, it was the only secret I kept from her, and eventually it became impossible to fix. With a secret like that, at some point the secret itself becomes irrelevant. The fact that you kept it does not."”
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“Age is a terrible thief. Just when you're getting the hang of life, it knocks your legs out from under you and stoops your back. It makes you ache and muddies your head and silently spreads cancer throughout your spouse.”
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“Although there are times I'd give anything to have her back, I'm glad she went first. Losing her was like being cleft down the middle. It was the moment it all ended for me, and I wouldn't have wanted her to go through that. Being the survivor stinks.”
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“With a secret like that, at some point the secret itself becomes irrelevant. The fact that you kept it does not.”
First Sentence
I am ninety. Or ninety-three. One or the other.
Table of Contents
Authors & Contributors
- Sara Gruen (Author)
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