Watership Down

I first read Watership Down when I was in High School. (And "no"! I won't say how many decades ago that was!😆) I remember thinking,"I can't believe she (our teacher) has us reading a book about a bunch of damn RABBITS!!!" When I started reading it, though, I couldn't put it down! And now, all these years later, I swear it was even better the second time around. This is NOT just a kid's story. It's just an amazing book!

I first came across the book by recommendations of my teacher. I immediately fell in love with it and read deep into the night, unable to set it down. It really caught me by surprise how well written it was.The book is about a band of rabbits who set out from their warren under the leadership of Hazel and his brother Fiver, who has prophetic instincts and visions.WARNING!!! SPOILERS AHEAD!One day, as Hazel and Fiver are out casually nibbling on grass, Fiver suddenly is overwhelmed with a sense of danger from the warren and sees the field covered in blood. He convinces Hazel that they must leave the warren with as many rabbits as possible and as soon as they could. They manage to gather a small band by the next night after an unsuccessful attempt at persuading the Chief Rabbit. They set off immediately following a scuffle with Holly, captain of the Owsla (leading group of rabbits in a warren).By the end of the second day of their journey, there are those in the group who feel that Fiver might have been wrong and want to return to the warren. They question Hazel, demanding to know if he even knew where they were going. But Fiver has another vision that they should go to the distant hills, where at the very top they would be safe. However, a mist of trouble lay between them and the hills, which they must head into.The rabbits continue on, with Hazel telling them that he will lead them to a better place by sunrise. To everyone’s surprise, he does. They find themselves in a beautiful field with no trace of elil (enemies of rabbits) and begin digging scrapes to live in. Here, they encounter a strange rabbit called Cowslip and his warren. All the rabbits think that this was the perfect place. Only Fiver urges them to have nothing to do with them. After a few days, they settle and Fiver finally decides that he would leave, even if no one else followed. Before he goes, however, Bigwig is caught in a snare. The rabbits learn of the horrible truth of the warren from Fiver and are shocked. Without further ado, they leave, taking a rabbit called Strawberry who had lost his wife to the snares with them.Soon, they reach the hills that Fiver had spoken of and explore them. They find a couple of rough scrapes that they live in the first night, but Blackberry suggests that they start on their own burrow – in the forest. They do so and consult Strawberry on the making of the large caverns they had back at Cowslip’s warren. Finally, the burrow was complete and they called it the Honeycomb. Hazel saves a mouse from a hawk, surprising everyone. Then, unexpectedly, an exhausted and wounded Captain Holly shows up with a rabbit called Bluebell. They bring the news that their old warren had been destroyed and share their story.Hazel reveals his idea that if he helped the mouse, he might, in turn, help them. He urged them to help other animals who were not elil and needed help. The next day, they have a chance to put Hazel’s idea to practice, as they find a wounded seagull. Hazel convinces them to help it. Bigwig finds out that its name is Kehaar. Hazel finally explains his reasons. The warren faces a big problem: they had no does. And it would take them ages to find some. But that was his idea: to ask Kehaar to search for them, since a bird could cover much more ground than a rabbit could and in much less time.Their efforts were rewarded when Kehaar agrees to help them. He is gone for several days, but when he returns, he spoke of another warren – a big one – about two days away. They send envoys to ask for does. Meanwhile, Hazel leads an expedition for does at a nearby farm. They return with two does and a buck, but Hazel is shot and assumed dead. However, Fiver and Blackberry find him and bring him back. The rabbits who went to the other warren also return, their trip unsuccessful.The warren is called Efrafa. They are led by a fierce rabbit called General Woundwort who, even though their warren was overcrowded, would not let anyone go. Their Owsla was chosen from the best and all rabbits know how to fight and kill. They had conquered or killed all warrens other than theirs nearby. Hazel decides that they would raid Efrafa for does. They set out with Kehaar and a few other rabbits.On the way, they find a punt, which Blackberry realizes they could escape in. It was decided that Bigwig was to infiltrate Efrafa and gather as many does as possible. He would lead them in an escape with the help of Kehaar. Then they would all escape in the punt. They set their plan in action and watch as it unfolds before their eyes. All is well until…General Woundwort discovers the location of their warren. They prepare to fight and take the warren. Hazel orders the rabbits to fill up the holes. Fiver suddenly is overcome by a vision and sinks into a stupor that Hazel cannot wake him from. Hazel remembers an incident with a dog from a long time ago and has an idea. While the fight goes on at the warren, he and two other rabbits dash for the farm and free the dog. They lead the dog back to the warren, wrecking havoc in Woundwort’s ranks. Meanwhile, Bigwig has confronted General Woundwort himself and, against all odds, defeated him. The Efrafans surrender almost immediately.Finally, after a long, hard journey, the rabbits are allowed peace. At long last, Hazel begins to feel himself getting old and, one clear dawn, he slips away to join the Owlsa of the rabbit with silver ears.

This one is special! Not only the classic story, but the lovely illustrations, it can become a family heirloom to be passed down.

This is outside of what I usually read, but I loved every bit of it. I can’t believe it took me so long to give this classic a chance. It’s a remarkable story of adventure, courage, bravery and friendship. I’ve learned so much and from anthropomorphic rabbits! This is a book I will read again and again and share with my children one day.

Watership Down occupies an interesting space in terms of its audience. I definitely don’t think of it as a story for children; especially young children, as it deals with heavy topics, survival, religion, and death. But it’s a wonderful story for anyone teenaged and up, as long as you are patient. People who enjoy fables about animals will love it.It’s a very British story and sometimes the descriptions of the English countryside can be a bit over indulgent, bordering on boring. That said, if you enjoy vivid descriptions of landscapes, it can also be inspired and beautiful.The story itself is one of fighting for the survival of one’s kind and it has moments that are truly exciting and harrowing. The main characters of Hazel, Bigwig, Fiver, Blackberry, Dandelion, Silver and Speedwell are all unique and fun and you truly grow to care about them and worry for their survival. Watching them come up with inventive solutions to their various problems is fun and entertaining.Some of my favorite parts of the book are when the rabbits tell stories of their mythical leader El-ahrairah, the British equivalent of Brer Rabbit. His adventures are often hilarious and strange and really bring a level of fun and mischief that help break up the more serious main adventure. As someone who saw the 1978 animated film first, I didn’t realize how many of his stories were overlooked. They truly add another dimension to Watership Down.The language is getting a little dated, but this is a wonderful story, and a classic that should not be overlooked.

I liked this book. After I finished, I started to watch it on Netflix with my grandson. The book is very thought-provoking.

Hazel grows into an insightful, caring, brave leader. The warren of rabbits manage to thrive in spite of danger and evil by listening to the wisdom of many different personalities. In the end, good outlasts evil.

Great adult fiction that will give you a whole new perspective on the lives of rabbits.

Me ha encantado , he cogido muchísimo cariño a todos los protagonistas. El libro te sumerge en su mundo, y de alguna manera te trae la sensación de tranquilidad de una vida simple y natural.Por cierto, se recomienda para 9-16 años, pero yo lo he disfrutado como una enana con mis 32 años- es un libro perfecto para adultos también.

Amei demais! Eu não fiz a leitura nessa edição, até por que eu não sou tão fluente assim em inglês para ler um livro inteiro. Porém, eu comprei essa edição para guardar mesmo, já que é o meu livro favorito!Edição lindíssima, valeu muito a pena!

Read it years ago and wonderful to reread!!! As for delivery, timing perfect and packaging excellent.

Watership Down ha sido una de las novelas mas influyentes que he leído al momento de volver a adquirir un libro. Pone estandares altos a las historias que he adquirido posteriormente.Richard Adams es un gran escritor en pocas palabras.Respecto a la paqueteria, todo llego en perfecto estado y en un muy buen tiempo.

This was a gift for a friend. The hardcover is sturdy, but it was slightly damaged when I received it. Paper quality is a little poor. Of course, it is a classic story, but maybe there are better editions you can buy. Delivery was very prompt and efficient.