Watership Down: A Novel

Watership Down by Richard Adams is a wild, soul-stirring adventure that had me rethinking rabbits entirely—next time I spot one, I’ll see a hero, not just a fluffy critter! Set in the lush, perilous English countryside, this tale of survival, courage, and community grabbed me from the first page and never let go. Adams’ storytelling is pure genius, turning a bunch of rabbits into characters I cared about deeply, their fight for a new home feeling as epic as any grand saga. It’s packed with humor, thrills, scares, and heart, delivering a flood of emotions that hit all my sweet spots.What I loved was how Adams made Hazel, Bigwig, Fiver, and their scrappy warren feel like family. Hazel’s steady leadership, Bigwig’s fierce grit, and Fiver’s quiet, almost mystical wisdom had me rooting for them against predators, traps, and a brutal enemy warren. The way Adams weaves rabbit culture—complete with clever tricks like befriending mice and a brash seagull—sparked joy and awe. The story’s deeper layers hooked me just as much: it’s a sharp look at leadership, with Hazel’s open, consent-driven warren shining against Efrafa’s cruel, totalitarian grip or Sandleford’s stifling complacency. It shows how true community, built on trust and shared struggle, can outlast any threat, with the rabbits leaning on each other and allies like Kehaar to survive. The El-ahrairah tales, full of trickster wit, aren’t just funny—they’re a lifeline, passing down moral lessons and a sense of identity through the rabbits’ god, Frith. “All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you.” This line captures the story’s heart: a defiant, cunning stand against a world out to get you, grounded in hope and cleverness. The mix of humor (those cheeky El-ahrairah tales!), heart-pounding escapes, and gut-wrenching sacrifices made me laugh, and gasp. It’s addictive, joyful, and sad, all at once—a rollercoaster of emotions I didn’t expect from a bunch of bunnies.Could anything be improved? Honestly, Adams nails it. The story’s so tight and vibrant I couldn’t find a real flaw. It’s as close to perfect as a rabbit tale can get.Overall, this book left me floored, a 5-star gem that’s funny, thrilling, and deeply moving. It’s hands-down the best animal story I’ve read. Its deeper truths, about leading with heart, building community, and holding onto hope through shared stories, stuck with me. Hazel’s courage, Fiver’s faith, and the power of their shared tales make this a journey I’ll revisit, ready to hop back into their vibrant, unforgettable world.

I first read and loved this book when I was in middle school. After watching the rabbits that moved into our yard, I bought and read this wonderful book again, 50 years later. Such a wonderful story of bravery, friendship and perseverance. Easily understandable as a child, I really enjoyed revisiting the story as an adult.

A book club read.A book written for kids, but with adult themes. A story of a group of rabbits leaving a warren that one thinks will be destroyed by man, to find another place to call home. "Watership Down". Lots of adventure, action and cute stories. This is a classic. Remember watching the cartoon back in the early 1980s, but didn't recall much.Glad to have read it. Not a hard read by any chance, though the language of the rabbits and some the of locals was hard to follow, but eventually you figure it out.Adams does a good job of describing the scenery, the flowers, birds, sky, etc. He also adds details about rabbits lives that I didn't know.The story of the rabbits and the different personalities and warrens, as well as humans, fox, cats and dog, at times can parallel real-world human issues, with good and bad things.

Its nice to enter the world of rabbit society and see how rabbits and other wildlife really thinks! The author has great knowledge of the names of plants and natural formations which is evident in his elaborate description of the various natural expanses visited as the rabbits pursue their quest. This book is definitely a British tome, but still almost universal in content. I say 'almost' due to the fact that the story is build upon the male characters. This is excusable in the predominately male settings, but even when the females enter the picture, they have very minor parts. None are developed as characters. Maybe this is due to the time the book was written (1978) but even by then you'd think stories would be more balanced.This might be a book for the young, but I think a teen would get more out of it than someone younger. By today's standards it may be a bit rambling and tedious. However, for those with the patience, it develops the characters well, including the human like motivations and politics of existing in a tiered society of police and policy enforcers and rulers. It is definitely a telling view of human like existence, frailties, and politics, as seen through the eyes of a different 'kind of people'--who can't count past 4. Hence the mystery of the name 'Fiver'. My age is that of a retired man. I picked this up because its a classic and deservedly so. For the right reader it can be quite addictive.

I am truly at a loss for words as to how much I enjoyed this read. The beginning is quite slow, especially as I am not from the right side of the pond for the ecology so heavily present throughout this story to bring about a sort of familiarity that I might be expected. Never the less, as the book ramps up toward the second act (of which there are four) I found myself completely absorbed at times in the pages and stories of this novel. It captures the reader in the very culture it exudes. Somehow binding a believable realism with a playful fantasy that makes the heart race and brings a genuine smile to my face. By the end of the book, I was enthralled- a page turned for certain. The ending left me stimming giddily.My highest recommendations