Watership Down: A Novel by Richard Adams
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Book Reviews of Watership Down: A Novel
Book Review: Not for young children, but teenagers and adults will enjoy it.
Summary: 5 Stars
Alright, the first thing you need to know is that this is about rabbits. Yes, rabbits, and not a childrens book. It is a long book, and it is a complex book. Even if you don't understand the complexities of the allegories that are involved with this book, it is still a fine read. The writing is superb, and the characters pop right off of the page. This book will stay with you long after you read it. Not for its amazing points it makes, although they are in there, but really for its terrific storytelling, and wonderful language. You can tell that this book was a labor of love for Richard Adams. I don't need to describe the story for you, that is done above. I don't need to talk about the allegorical significance of the various parts of the book, that is done in colleges all over the country. What I do need to tell you is that if you read this book you won't be sorry. I promise you won't even remember they are rabbits except in the smallest sense of yourself by the time you are a quarter of the way into the book. By the end you might even find a tear or two for the ending. So read it, enjoy it, and than pass it along to someone who you know will like it. That was how I got it, and I have cherished it ever since.Book Review: Hard to believe, but this novel is a gritty and epic adventure story about rabbits
Summary: 5 Stars
In the author's note beginning this read, Adams states that he struggled to find a publisher, as the characters of bunnys was childish, whereas the storyline was very adult.
And thats what I thought this book would be like. Well the storyline was very adult, kinda like Gulliver's travels. The main crew of rabbits travel the countryside and encounter trails and tribulations which (apparently unintentionally) are allegories for human society.
The whole rabbit thing is done brillantly, from a rabbit's perspective the world is a dangerous and fascinating place, its a bit like a fantasy novel with supernatural creatures, except the creatures are of course dogs, foxes and human vehicles.
As an older book Watership Down, does have a longer-winded feel about it, with lots of stories within the story and build-up to the final confrontation.
I remember my first experience of this book was actually the movie (intially dismissed as a child's Animals of Farthing wood type thing) Then I happened to catch my younger brother watching towards the end, where there were rabbits totally tearing the s*** out of each other and brutality in all corners.
Highly Recommended :)
Book Review: wrenching adventure
Summary: 5 Stars
romping across the English countryside may seem like a walk in the park for us humans, but for the rabbits in Watership Down it's a life-and-death struggle to start a new life after the destruction of their own home. their travels grip the reader by vividly illustrating the dangers they face, from deadly foxes and weasels, to man-made hazards, or even facing off against fellow rabbits.
Adams creates an entire culture around the rabbits, outlining their success (and failures) through the tales of heroic figures from the rabbits' past. these stories compel the rabbits to take risks that will allow them to secure a new home, and ultimately continue their peaceful way of life.
the adventures of Hazel, Bigwig, Fiver, and the other rabbits are described through the distinct personalities and traits that Adams gives them. while their actions may seem anthropomorphic, their physical reactions are rooted in how real rabbits act in the wild.
not for the faint of heart, this lagomorphian expedition will make you look upon common rabbits in an entirely different manner from now on.
Book Review: A truly fantastic read
Summary: 5 Stars
Watership Down, by Richard Adams, is a great tale of survival and leadership that anyone can enjoy.
The story begins on a calm evening at the Saddleford Warren. Young Fiver, the small, nervous rabbit whose only friend is his elder brother, Hazel, comes upon a sign covered in man writing. He doesn't know where the sign came from or what it says, but he knows it means trouble.
Fiver's odd premonitions are almost always true, but no one other than Hazel will believe him when he says danger is coming to the warren.
The story jumps right into action as Hazel and Fiver gather a band of rabbits who are willing to leave the warren and venture into the unknown in search of a new home. They encounter danger after danger after danger, including two warrens, one of which holds a deathly secret and the other over which rules the terrible Woundwort, whose brutal discipline and battle skills have earned him the title of General.
Through it all the rabbits stick together, facing hardships and terrors they never dreamed possible, all in pursuit of a place they can live safely; a place called home.
Book Review: Yes , Rabbits!
Summary: 5 Stars
The title of my review refers to a conversation I had with a friend about his favorite book. We were in a book store browsing and he pointed to a book saying, "that's my favorite book." I was immediately curious, I deeply respect this guy and consider him the smartest person I know. I asked him what is it about, he said "Rabbits." Me: "Rabbits?" Him: "Rabbits" Me: "Rabbits?" Him: "Yes, Rabbits!"
In the end, I did not buy the book nor did I in the near future. WHAT A MISTAKE!!!
When I finally did decide to buy and read the book, I was enthralled. Is there a perfect book/read? I don't know, but here's another story.
I was reading Watership Down at work on a Friday. Time came to pack up for the day. After being half-way home I realized I forgot Watership Down. There was no way for me to go back and get it, and I was not going to be back at work for another two days. To make a long story short, I bought another copy of the book and finished it over the weekend.
Watership Down is a remarkable book. BUY/BORROW IT.