Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #57429 in Books
• Published on: 1974-12-12
• Binding: Paperback
• 478 pages

Synopsis
A story of rebellion in a rabbit warren and the subsequent adventures of the rebels.

Customer Reviews

A classic tale never to be forgotten
It's unbelievable that one misguided individual has actually taken the time to write five negative reviews about this book (they are quite obviously by the same person as their content is virtually identical). That particular reader attacks the book for having a "low reading level" yet the reviews themselves are full of mistakes and non-sequiters... The same person calls the book "too cute"; anyone who has actually read and understood the book will agree that one of the most remarkable things about it is the way the rabbits and other animals are always true to their nature, and there is a marked absense of anything 'cute' - in fact the book is decidedly harrowing in parts. To compare this book with 'Animal Farm' is pointless; Orwell's tale is a political allegory that happens to feature animals, whereas this is told from an animal's perspective (although there are some political allusions). Not only is it a wonderfully imagined rabbit's-eye view of the world, it's also an exciting adventure, a moving plea for compassion in our treatment of animals and the environment and a classic tale of freedom versus oppression. The prose is excellent, far better than anything Tolkien or CS Lewis ever produced, and the book can be enjoyed by older children and adults alike. In the 'Seventies Watership Down was an absolute phenomenon, selling well over 30 million copies worldwide. It's a great pity that it no longer recieves the public attention it so richly deserves. Adams's other animal fiction - Shardik, The Plague Dogs and Traveller, all of which are aimed more directly at adults - are also worth seeking out, but this remains his finest work.

Truly, one of the very best.
I was first introduced to this book as a teenager by my mother of all people, whoever listens to their mother in their teenage years. There aren't many books which completely capture you as does "Watership Down" with the tales of Hazel, Bigwig and Fiver plus the interspersed stories such as the black rabit of Inle. You get absorbed by the politics of the Owsla and the terror faced in the warren run by the general. Such a beautiful book, exceptional, are words that come to mind. Its so easy to be living their story and the death of Hazel is unbearably sad.

Truly, one of the very best.

Two Thumbs Up for Watership Down
'Watership Down' deserves every word of praise it gets now and will continue to get for generations to come. This timeless treasure of American literature stands as a towering landmark to good story-telling, flawless talent, and a return to a style the reader will not have felt since childhood. But make no mistake; 'Watership Down' is NO children's book. Its intelligence, craft, and moveable feel with take its readers to an unforgettable place they will be sorry to leave as they turn the last page.