Review: Watership Down by Richard Adams

Synopsis: A phenomenal worldwide bestseller for more than forty years, Richard Adams's Watership Down is a timeless classic and one of the most beloved novels of all time. Set in England's Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale of adventure, courage and survival follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, to a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society. (from the online description)

Review:  I read this is as part of a GroupRead on Instagram. I’d never read the book, only seen (and be traumatized) by the cartoon.

This book is magical. Part folk tale, part adventure, a bit grimdark, realistic but not gritty, it has both sunlight and shadow. It’s hard to classify, to pin to a genre. I’m not sure I would let kids read it and yet, it is just the sort of books kids ought to read.

Hazel, and his friend Fiver, leave their warren after Fiver has a vision of death and danger. They travel across the wide Downs, in search of a place to live. Along the way, they face hardship, adventure, and find other rabbits who also wish to live in safety and peace.

Their story is interspersed with Rabbit folktales, about their mythology and gods, their beliefs and faith. It’s fantastic and gives their culture so much life.

I recommend this book. Older kids and teens will enjoy  it, but I would say for young kids (elementary age) that a parent should read-a-long. There is death and blood and terror at some parts that might require a parent’s guidance. But there is light and wonder and magic and love as well, and it is worth the time.  

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-380-000293-0
Year Published: 1972
Date Finished: 8-21-2017
Pages: 478