Watership Down

Staff Pick

Bunnies, community, fantasy, adventure, danger — a classic pick for anyone who likes Brian Jacques, C. S. Lewis, or Erin Hunter.
Recommended by Mary Z., Powells.com

A heart-rending narrative about displacement and the struggle to define "home" disguised as cute animal story. A favorite across the world for generations of readers, and for good reason. Bring a hankie.
Recommended by M.A.S., Powell's City of Books

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sharrona, February 3, 2013 (view all comments by sharrona)
Can't say enough good about this book. It's entertaining on several levels -- the lives of a community of rabbits, and the allegory to human society. Was made into a pretty decent movie, too. Part of my lifetime permanent library; I'll read it again and again.

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nrlymrtl, August 15, 2012 (view all comments by nrlymrtl)
Lots of fuzzy bunnies. They’ve got ambitions, bad dreams, prerogatives. Watership Down starts off with one rabbit that has been blessed with the gift of foresight having a bad feeling and that is why he and those who will follow must leave the warren. A handful of connies set out, not really knowing where they are going nor really why, except Fiver has a vague, deep feeling of dread towards the warren.

Soon Fiver is proved right and we learn of the doom of the home warren. The rabbits have made it to a new warren, very laid-back, breakfast served every day by humans. Fiver and Hazel and crew consider staying for a while. However, soon Fiver is expressing his concerns and fears and the hares must move on after a nasty encounter with a wire trap.

I enjoyed how the rabbits had their own mythology and stories. There are several segues into these tales and they were instructive and imaginative. While there were few female characters, probably because they came into the story late, they are considered integral in sustaining the new warren.

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danimccutcheon, September 30, 2011 (view all comments by danimccutcheon)
Re-reading this classic after twenty years, and it's as charming as ever. Especially if you or your children love rabbits, this tale is even more endearing. Powerfully engaging characters, and great for opening up kids' eyes and ears to the sights and sounds of nature.

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Product Details

ISBN:

9780380002931

Author:

Adams, Richard

Publisher:

Avon

Location:

New York :

Subject:

Literary

Subject:

Fiction

Subject:

Classics

Subject:

Novels and novellas

Subject:

Literature

Subject:

British and irish

Subject:

Adventure stories

Subject:

Fantasy - General

Subject:

Rabbits

Subject:

Survival

Subject:

Adventure fiction

Copyright:

1972

Publication Date:

19760101

Binding:

Mass Market Paperback

Language:

English

Illustrations:

Y

Pages:

496

Dimensions:

6.94x4.36x1.14 in. .53 lbs.