Watership Down

Richard Adams' "Watership Down" (WSOY, 1975) is a classic of English children's and young adult literature. Over the years, I had heard a great deal of praise for the work from those close to me, but for one reason or another, I only became drawn to it now. And indeed, it was well worth it, for the book was of the utmost excellence!

It all begins when Vicky, who lives in the rabbit warren of Sandleford, has a terrifying vision in which her home meadow runs with blood. Something terrible is happening, something so horrible that the rabbits must leave if they wish to stay alive. Naturally, such vague warnings do not convince the majority of the community, but as it happens, a small group of bunnies sets off on a journey under the leadership of a rabbit named Hazel to establish a new community in a safer area.

In the typical way of fantasy literature, there is a matter of an important task and a long journey through a hostile and dangerous environment. There are many sources of danger: one must not only fear humans and predators, but also other rabbits, the most fearsome of which is the unflinching leader of the totalitarian Efrafa rabbit society, General Woundwort.

The rabbits in the book are very rabbit-like, although they do have their own mythological lore, in which, for example, the sun god Frith and the cunning ancestor of the rabbit clan, El-ahrairah, feature.

Our heroes remain in the mind as excellent personalities, to which one notices oneself becoming increasingly attached as the book progresses. I myself found myself on the edge of my seat and even a little worried about what might happen to the main characters. The ending brings tears to the eyes.

The description of the English countryside and nature is throughout impressive. I even planned a drinking game for myself, in which one would have to take a swig every time a plant was mentioned by name in the book, but the implementation of such a thing would require a rather good tolerance.

I would think that "Watership Down" would be enjoyed by readers of all ages, albeit in slightly different ways. Children and young people can enjoy it as an exciting animal fantasy, while adults can admire the beautiful description of nature and ponder whether it is some kind of allegory in the manner of Animal Farm. According to The Guardian, Adams himself rejected theories that the book had anything to do with communism or Christianity. "Rubbish! It’s just a story about rabbits!", the author is said to have said.

However, it should be remembered that the book is at times very cruel. I, for one, cannot recall having read anything as blood-curdling as the poisoning of the Sandleford community in a long time, so for the younger members of the family, it might be better to read, for example, Robert C. O'Brien's equally excellent animal fantasy Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH instead.

I have not read another such impressive work in a long time! As soon as this coronavirus pandemic is over, I will take the book with me to give recommendations to schoolchildren and recommend it to all possible groups from fifth graders upwards.

The premise of “Watership Down” might initially seem absurd. In essence, it's the tale of a group of rabbits that abandon their comfortable (yet doomed) abode and strive to establish a new and improved one, just a few square miles distant. It really should be absurd. Seriously - bunnies?!

Oh, but it's not absurd at all! It's truly epic! The distance, as we perceive it, is immaterial. What a human (the arrogant ruler of the earth) can traverse without a second thought in just a few steps is a vast and terrifying expanse for a ten-inch-tall animal at the bottom of the food chain. This tension was masterfully captured and reverberated throughout the book.

It can be challenging to explain how a book about rabbits can feel so poignantly human. What the characters endure is completely relatable. In “Watership Down”, Hazel and the other rabbits must determine who they desire to lead them, whom they trust, what they envision their home to be like, and what they are willing to sacrifice to make their world the way they want it. “What sort of world do I want to live in?” is the question that Hazel and his rabbits pose to themselves as they set out to start a new home. This is the same question that each of us must ask and act upon as we venture out and attempt to build a life for ourselves, especially when we are young and exploring the world to find (or create) a place for us.

This life-or-death question arises whenever Hazel's rabbits encounter a group of rabbits living according to certain choices. Should they remain in Efrafa, where they can be safe and secure but not free? Should they enjoy the luxuries of Cowslip's warren and disregard the potential death that could befall them at any moment? Should they listen to the powerful rabbits and simply stay in Sandleford Warren, regardless of what the little rabbits like Fiver say? Or should they give up everything they know and risk everything they have for the chance of a better home on Watership Down? We may not face the exact perils that Hazel's rabbits do - no farmer is going to kill and cook us (we hope). But we do have to ask ourselves these questions about our values and which values we hold dearer.

Many contemporary authors could take a leaf out of Richard Adams's book on how to create characters that a reader can believe in and become invested in. Few human characters that I have come across in recent books can compare in depth and dimension to the rabbits of Watership Down. Trying to select a favorite is an impossible task - Hazel is, of course, the hero; but my heart also goes out to Big Wig, Fiver, and Pipkin for their courage; and to Blackberry and Dandelion for their lightness of spirit.

The creation of a culture and language for the rabbits, and other creatures, rivals Tolkien’s masterpieces. I adored the rabbit constructions to label human concepts. I loved the fables that reminded me of the Brer Rabbit tales, which offered deeper insights into the culture and the life lessons gently imparted through the various adventures in creating the new warren. It was only halfway through the book (maybe even further) that it dawned on me that these tales, which were supposed to be timeless and ancient, all featured men who smoked cigarettes, drove cars, and trucks. And then, by the end of the book, it all became clear. For one thing, twenty or ten years ago is ancient history to a rabbit who packs all of his own adventures into, perhaps, three short years. Another more significant thing is that the tales of El-ahrairah are not fixed and unchangeable, but an oral history that evolves with the generations. That moment towards the end of the book that证实了这一点也让我更加清晰地认识到，理查德·亚当斯对兔类文化的描绘是多么的美丽动人。整个兔类世界的画面是多么的奇妙绝伦。

I used to think that rabbits were just cute, floppy-eared carrot-eaters with a penchant for hopping. After reading this, I will never be able to look at them in the same way again!

An adventure about rabbits is about to unfold.

This is a captivating tale that centers around a group of rabbits, with Bigwig, Hazel, and Fiver taking the lead. They are forced to leave their original warren as it is set to be transformed into a new housing development. Their journey is filled with challenges as they strive to find the perfect place to settle. Along the way, they encounter various other rabbits and animals, forging both friendships and enemies. The story is also interspersed with short stories about El-ahrairah, a highly intelligent rabbit.

This book is part of the BBC's 100 Books to Read Before You Die list. However, it has its drawbacks. At nearly 500 pages, it is rather long and the pacing is extremely uneven. The first half of the book progresses at a snail's pace and is not particularly engaging. In fact, it made me question whether any book about talking animals could become a bestseller. Thankfully, the second half of the book is much more interesting. I was truly impressed by the bravery of the rabbits and their ability to come up with cunning plans, rather than relying solely on brute strength or numbers.

Here are a few notes about my reading experience and some suggestions. Firstly, there are some made-up words in the book, but there is a glossary at the back for reference. Secondly, I used the Immersion Reading technique, which involves listening to the audiobook while following along in a copy. In this case, I used a physical copy, but I regretted it. Due to the made-up words, I think I would have had a better experience reading on my Kindle Fire, as I could highlight the definitions and use the search function.

Overall, I'm glad I read this book, but once was sufficient for me.

2025 Reading Schedule
Jan\tA Town Like Alice
Feb\tBirdsong
Mar\tCaptain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Berniere
Apr\tWar and Peace
May\tThe Woman in White
Jun\tAtonement
Jul\tThe Shadow of the Wind
Aug\tJude the Obscure
Sep\tUlysses
Oct\tVanity Fair
Nov\tA Fine Balance
Dec\tGerminal

Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Insta My Bookstore at Pango

What a truly terrific book to bring 2023 to a close with!

Watership Down was a completely random selection on my part, but I have to admit, it is most definitely in the running for my book of the year. It was just that good!

I found myself completely captivated and utterly transported into the world of Hazel, Fiver, Bigwig, and the other rabbits who took center stage in this epic adventure story. Throughout the entire 500 pages, I never once felt bored or had the slightest temptation to skim over any parts.

The scenes of bravery and survival, the courage displayed in the face of adversity, the trust that developed, and the lasting friendships all combined to keep the twisting narrative and plot tense, exciting, and unexpectedly moving right up until the very last page.

It always seems to be the unexpected, unplanned books like this one that I end up enjoying the most and that make me so incredibly happy to be a reader.

I'm truly overjoyed that I have finally had the opportunity to read this remarkable book! The writing is so exquisitely beautiful that I effortlessly became deeply engrossed in the lives of all the rabbits as they embarked on their arduous journey fleeing from their warren. At the outset, Hazel and Fiver were my particular favorites. However, as the story unfolded, I found myself growing to love each and every one of them, with Bigwig holding a special place in my heart. They seemed incredibly vivid and real, and I also gained some new insights into them as a species. For instance, it had never crossed my mind that rabbits are not naturally inclined to travel long distances. It is indeed a strenuous endeavor for them, yet sometimes it becomes an absolute necessity. They are physiologically designed for short bursts of intense speed. Moreover, the sheer number of predators they have to contend with is almost staggering. From other rabbits to larger predatory animals (of which there are numerous varieties) and even to humans and the various creations and actions that pose a threat to them (such as roads, guns, and so on).

The story itself is nothing short of captivating and truly epic. It is rather challenging to describe it in detail without revealing too many spoilers. The blurb on the book cover would无疑 do a far better job than I could!

I wholeheartedly adored reading this book and will most definitely be revisiting it in the future because it was simply brilliant!

  “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, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed.”

This passage truly takes me back to my tween years. During that time, I was completely engrossed in Erin Hunter’s Warrior Cats series, devouring more than 30 installments each year. Thank goodness I didn't have unrestricted access to the internet then; otherwise, I might have ended up on some specialized forum, proudly calling myself "Bramblepaw" or something similar.



In contrast, Watership Down is a much more mature and profound work compared to Warrior Cats. It's quite interesting to note that stories about animals often share a common trait: humans are depicted as the enemy.


Despite its length, which at times did cause the narrative to feel a bit sluggish, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm now eagerly looking forward to checking out the animated series adaptation. I'm curious to see how they will bring the characters and the story to life on the screen, and whether they will be able to capture the essence and the depth of the original work.

I absolutely loved this gem of a story!

It is so much more than just a simple narrative about rabbits. The characters are rich and well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and traits.

The setting of the English countryside adds a touch of charm and authenticity to the story, making it feel like a real and believable world.

The use of the Lapine language is also a wonderful addition, adding an element of mystery and intrigue.

At its core, this story is about connecting with and accepting others who are different from you, and learning how to work together through life's obstacles.

It has everything you could want in a classic tale - adventure, friendship, and valuable life lessons.

However, it's important to note that this story is not for children. It contains some themes and concepts that may be too complex or mature for young readers.

Overall, I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good read and is looking for something that will make them think and feel.

Watership Down is indeed an outstanding novel. Penned in the 1970s in English, its language and style are distinct from modern English. It abounds with detailed descriptions of the British countryside's flora and fauna that are unfamiliar, along with Richard Adams' unique rabbit "slang." At first, it was extremely arduous to read, and I labored through it intermittently for nearly a month.

Nevertheless, reading the original has its own special pleasures. Compared to the translated version I later purchased for my children, many vivid details were lost in translation. For instance, the original contains various animals' dialogues - seagulls, mice, cats, dogs - each with their own distinct characteristics and accents. Even human dialogues are filled with homophones to mimic their speech patterns, necessitating us to read the entire conversation aloud to understand the meaning. This includes a farm girl named Lucy, whose conversations with her father and a doctor reveal a charmingly rustic countryside accent, which is rather amusing. Conversely, our rabbits, aside from some rabbit slang, speak standard English, which is an interesting setup.

Watership Down chronicles the remarkable journey of the rabbit leader Hazel and his companions through the British countryside. They encounter the pursuit of various predators, seemingly harmless yet perilous traps, adventures on human farms, and even conflicts, battles, and peace with another powerful rabbit colony. All of this is brought to life through Adams” remarkable imagination and detailed observations of the British countryside, told from the rabbits' perspective. This enables me to experience the subtle seasonal changes and smell the fragrance of hyacinths carried by the breeze, all from a rabbit's vantage point.

There are no clear-cut good and evil characters as in typical fairy tales. Instead, anthropomorphized characters make natural choices based on their environments and circumstances - short-sighted or farsighted, arrogant or humble, cowardly or brave - determining their next steps and fates. The book includes orally transmitted rabbit folklore, and the rabbits' actions draw wisdom from these legends, enriching the layers and depth of rabbit society. As the story concludes, with the aging Hazel being called by the rabbit god to the endless forest, we close the book with a sense of both loss and fulfillment, having read a great work and bid farewell to a vivid world.

The most captivating character in the book is undoubtedly the rabbit leader Hazel. He is not a born leader, neither exceptionally intelligent nor strong, and not even a great storyteller (a highly prized trait among rabbits). Initially, no other rabbit recognized his status. But as the journey unfolds and dangers loom, Hazel emerges as the one who steps up to assist his companions and assume responsibility, gradually earning their acceptance as a leader. This process is not without bumps; he makes mistakes that endanger the entire group and nearly perishes on a farm due to his arrogance. However, his strength lies in his ability to consider the long-term interests of the entire group, utilize each member's strengths, and embrace rather than reject different opinions and members, even from other species. I witness Hazel's transformation into a true leader, culminating in his final act of extraordinary courage, sacrificing himself to save the entire colony.

However, the book would not be as engaging without another character - General Woundwort, the leader of the rival rabbit colony. He is almost a god-like figure, with physical strength and combat skills far exceeding those of ordinary rabbits, along with exceptional leadership abilities. He establishes a hierarchical society within his colony, ruling lower-class bucks and does through a council and elite rabbits, implementing a militarized management system, and commanding an extraordinarily vast territory. Woundwort is not an evil villain; he is Hazel's counterpart. While Hazel is democratic, Woundwort is autocratic. Hazel prefers a natural way of managing a loose rabbit group, while Woundwort uses human-like methods to build a society that surpasses rabbits' inherent abilities. He is like the Alexander the Great of rabbits. Hazel defeats Woundwort twice through cunning and protagonist luck, but in the end, when Woundwort faces the farm dog Hazel has brought, he fearlessly charges into battle, meeting his tragic end.

After closing the book, a thought crossed my mind that made me smile: In the world of Watership Down, a rabbit colony managed by Hazel's methods would still be rabbits after 10,000 years, but if Woundwort's methods prevailed, a thousand years later, rabbits might stand on an equal footing with humans.

4.4 / 5 stars