This was a truly good story, yet at certain points, it was extremely hard to keep one's eyes from looking away.

If you lack a strong stomach when it comes to animal cruelty, then this particular story is not for you.

The author dedicated quite a significant amount of effort to describing the hills and valleys, along with the specific creeks and caves. These descriptions were further enhanced with sketches.

While I'm not entirely certain if this added a great deal to the overall narrative, I do believe that if you were planning to visit the area for a hiking tour, this book would prove to be an excellent companion.

It did, indeed, lend a sense of reality to the whole story, and for that, I truly appreciated it.

Overall, despite its flaws, this story had its redeeming qualities and could be enjoyed by those with a particular interest in the subject matter.

This book was an absolute catastrophe when compared to Watership Down. It was blatantly evident that it was written subsequent to the success of WD. At that juncture, Adams seemed to be thinking, "Yeah, I'm amazing, I'm going to mention Watership in this book so that people don't forget how great I am. And then these guys on a boat are going to talk about me as if I wasn't the one penning the very conversation they were having. Genius."

Just no, Richard Adams. A resounding no.

Aside from that, it was simply a generally bad book. It was sort of an interesting tale, but it was interspersed with page after page of the most excruciatingly boring drivel you will ever encounter. Sometimes, like the entire COURTROOM SCENE - whoever heard of a courtroom scene in a novel about runaway dogs? - it was so mind-numbingly boring that I would zone out, thinking that I should set the book aside and move on to something else. And then I would return to the book and realize that I must have missed something crucial because all of a sudden one of the dogs was accused of murder. And I was like, "Eh? How's that?" But at the same time, I didn't care enough to go back and figure it out, so I just filled in the information as I went along, which worked out okay.

In conclusion, I would assert that this book has an audience consisting of two types of people:

1.) People who reside in this specific area of England or wherever the heck this book was set (I've already forgotten), or

2.) Members of PETA who have the ability to sit through page after page of nonsense, nodding and smiling and saying, "Well isn't that nice?"

Just a hint - when a critic calls a book "Grave of the Fireflies with puppies," believe them.

Richard Adams, that son of a bitch who put us through bunny hell with "Watership Down," is back to torment us with dogs. Rowf and Snitter, a big black mutt and a little fox terrier, escape from a science lab. I'm not even going to finish that sentence, because you can probably fill in the rest yourself. While you cringe, I'll just go fetch another box of tissues because I seem to have run out for some reason.

While a morally-bankrupt yellow journalist tries to whip the public into a panic, the better to sell newspapers, the two dogs bumble through the Lake District in search of food, shelter, and allies. They're saved less through rigorous survival instincts, of which they have none, and more through the utter ineptitude of their pursuers, who make Wile E. Coyote seem like an exemplar of straightforward planning. It's not a perfect story; Adams did love himself a tangent, and the ending is a wee bit pat.

Also, I'm going to pretend that this story is an endless slog through the north country, because to imply that it will, eventually, restore your faith in humanity would actually be to present you with something of a spoiler.

I understand there's a movie in circulation. There's a cheerful prospect. The movie might bring the story to life in a whole new way, perhaps adding some visual elements that enhance the emotional impact. However, it's always a bit of a gamble when a book is adapted into a movie. Will they capture the essence of the story? Will the characters be as engaging on the big screen as they are in the book? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, this book has left a lasting impression on me, and I'll be curious to see how the movie turns out.

I find myself in a rather indecisive state when it comes to rating this book.

Certain parts of it truly grated on my nerves, coming across as rather artificial and overly repetitive.

Conversely, there were other sections that I simply adored, and three particular parts were downright breathtakingly beautiful.

I quite liked the overall style of the book, and the newspaper clippings scattered throughout were utilized just as effectively as they were in, for example, Carrie by Stephen King or Dracula by Bram Stoker.

The moralistic discussions, although a bit disconcerting at times, still served the purpose of the book rather well.

All things considered, it earns a three-star rating from me, with the potential for that to change.

The movie, however, is an outstanding five-star achievement.

It manages to capture the essence of the story in a truly captivating and engaging manner, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.

The acting, direction, and cinematography all contribute to making it a must-see for fans of the genre.

The Plague Dogs is perhaps the most natural creative step, or rather an extension, that Richard Adams could have taken since 1972’s Watership Down. It is exquisitely written. The characters are perhaps more developed than some in his prior work. It is filled with those characteristic lush descriptions of the natural world. Here, it is of the Lake District. Adams’ precise detailing, supplemented by A. Wainwright’s charming original illustrations, helps create a captivating atmosphere that serves as the base for the novel’s narrative.

This is perhaps the most substantial divide between the two novels. The shift from Watership Down to The Plague Dogs is in the way the natural world serves as the basis for the narrative. In The Plague Dogs, the nature crafted by Adams is part of the story itself. This is particularly evident in the communication between man and animal based on the common ground of nature and the environment. The experiential world connects the dogs and the humans searching for them, as opposed to the more incidental existence in Watership Down.
There are moments of nice writing that cannot be ignored. For example, on page four, Mr Powel’s sycophantic tone when enquiring about the time is an interesting and striking way of putting it. Another example, on page seventy-six, the description of Rowf’s actions after eating a sheep in the wild is effective in creating a vivid picture. Adams also writes in other effective ways, such as the comparison about resigning in chess. This shows how good he is as a writer, pulling together elements for characterisation, general life observations, and the exchange between characters.
To conclude, The Plague Dogs is Adams’ most consistently gripping novel. It is incredibly clever in its structure, with spliced newspaper articles and perspective switches building an intense, intriguing, and emotionally charged experience throughout.

The Plague Dogs is a remarkable work that showcases Adams’ talent as a writer.

If you can find it, get it!

It is truly one of the most enjoyable novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The story revolves around two dogs that have managed to escape from an animal testing laboratory and embark on an exciting adventure.

As you read, you will have to learn a different set of idioms (which are quite easy) to fully understand the antics and interactions between the dogs as they romp and cavort, constantly avoiding capture.

If you are a dog lover, this book is sure to tug at your heartstrings. It beautifully portrays the bond between the two dogs and their fight for freedom.

If there was a six-star rating system, this novel would most definitely receive it from me. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure story with a touch of heartwarming charm.

Watership Down is one of my all-time favorite books.

If it weren't for the fact that it was written by Richard Adams, I might have easily set it aside. After all, a book about escaped lab animals seems bound to have a predictable and perhaps even bad ending, doesn't it?

However, despite these initial concerns and even though Adams himself admits that he can sometimes be a bit preachy, this audiobook is truly worthwhile. It is not only highly entertaining but also quite educational.

The performer, Ralph Cosham, did an outstanding job of bringing the story to life in the very best way possible. His narration added an extra layer of depth and charm to the already engaging tale, making it a truly immersive listening experience.

Overall, Watership Down is a remarkable book that combines adventure, drama, and valuable life lessons, and the audiobook version with Ralph Cosham's performance only enhances its appeal.

I simply couldn't bring myself to complete it. It was in no way due to any shortcoming on the part of the author. Richard Adams is indeed a very talented writer, having penned one of my all-time favorite books, Watership Down. However, the portrayal of the suffering of any dog is just too unbearable for me.

This doesn't mean I turn a blind eye to such issues. In fact, I often involve myself in efforts to help prevent the atrocities of the Dog Meat Trade in Southeast Asia. This trade is truly a horror to behold and, quite frankly, one of the greatest stains and crimes that mankind inflicts upon our beloved furry friends.

But when it comes to this particular novel, I feel that it would be in my best interest to simply pass on reading it. I just don't think I can handle the emotional turmoil that might come with delving into the story of a dog's suffering.

It's not that this isn't a well-written, thought-provoking book.

It truly is both of those things. However, it simply isn't the kind of book that I have a penchant for reading, because it's just too...sad.

Too painful. It's just too much for me, given my delicate sensibilities.

In fact, it is quite a good book.

If you have an affinity for Richard Adams or if you oppose animal testing and seek to become emotionally impassioned about it, this would无疑 be a good book to peruse.

Nevertheless, if you are overly sensitive regarding the unreasonable abuse or violence towards animals, you probably ought not to read this book.

I read it a couple of years ago, and that's all I've got to offer, for that's all I remember.

I hope this information proves to be of some assistance.

2015 Reading Challenge--week 7: Nonhuman characters.

Well, this was truly a remarkable adventure! It might not be as masterfully crafted as Adams' more renowned classic, Watership Down, but it is still highly engaging and definitely worth a read.

Two mistreated dogs, Rowlf and Snitter, manage to flee from the Animal Research, Scientific and Experimental lab (A.R.S.E.--what a name!), located in the beautiful English Lake District. These dogs have no clue about how to survive in the wild. Fortunately, they befriend a wise fox (tod) who offers them valuable advice and warnings. Together, they form a pack to hunt, killing sheep and stealing chickens from farmyards whenever they get the chance. Naturally, this angers the farmers, who raise quite a commotion.

At first, the lab refuses to comment on whether they have lost any dogs, which seems rather dishonest and suspicious. However, a sharp reporter is assigned to uncover the truth. Sadly, this reporter is more interested in furthering his career and selling newspapers than in reporting the facts. He spreads the rumor that the lab has been conducting bubonic-plague testing and that the dogs may have been infected. The resulting panic and a few unfortunate accidents/deaths lead to a large number of reinforcements being sent out to hunt down the 'vicious' animals. There are many heart-wrenching moments and some unexpected plot twists and turns that make this a very satisfying read.

Rating the book was a difficult task. I was undecided for a while but eventually settled on 4 stars. Although there were several aspects of the writing that I could criticize, such as the use of dialect in conversations, which could have been a bit too much at times, even with the included glossary for 'American readers'. The twenty-nine illustrations of the landscape by A. Wainwright and Adams' beautiful descriptions bring the Lake District countryside to life. However, sometimes he seems to go on a bit too long, and there are several digressions that slow down the story's momentum. Additionally, Adams inserts himself into the story now and then, which can be a bit strange and jarring when reading a story told in the third person. And in one instance, he takes the opportunity to lecture about how animals should be treated by humans while building up to an important and emotional scene. The two men in this conversation even mention Richard Adams as a well-intentioned author who knew next to nothing about rabbits! (I assume this is a tongue-in-cheek joke, but it still feels a bit odd at that moment.)

The book was written in 1977, a time when there was a lot of public outcry about the cruel treatment of animals in cosmetic testing. There were many gruesome horror stories and photos circulating, which makes me wonder if Adams wrote this book with the hope that people would read it and be inspired to become activists for animal rights. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was founded shortly after, in March 1980.

**Title: A Mixed Review of "The Plague Dogs" by Richard Adams**

"What's a harangue?"
"Well, a harangue," said Mr. Powell, "it's sort of – well, if I make a very intense, excited sort of speech, about animals or something – "

I have been thoroughly harangued by Mr. Adams on the subject of scientific experiments on animals in "The Plague Dogs". Adams is clearly against it in all circumstances. While an author is entitled to be passionate about their subject, and I'm a big fan of some of his other novels, this one lost me with its extremely negative portrayal of a research station. All the projects there are depicted as not only trivial but also sadistic and gratuitously offensive. It's like Richard Dawkins with his fierce attacks on religion. Adams refuses to see any benefit from the practice and uses hyperbole to make his point. The scientists are all incompetents or callous brutes, repeatedly compared to Nazis, emperor Nero, or wildlife poachers. I understand the need to make the reader sympathize with the victims, especially the two dogs who are tortured for useless data, but such blatant manipulation of information is a major turnoff for me.

Rowf and Snitter, two animals subject to experiments, manage to escape in an epic struggle described in a style echoing Dante's 'Inferno'. But the freedom they find is not what they expected. The Lake District in autumn is a harsh place for survival and escape. Most of the novel details the dogs' struggle to find food, with side chapters on the actions of local shepherds, baffled scientists, shady politicians, and the yellow press. The person responsible for the 'plague' appellation is another malicious caricature. Adams is in the business of selling emotions, but this time I found it hard to swallow the clear divide between black and white.

On the plus side, the love for nature is evident in the descriptions of the Lake District, the plot holds together in the end, and the attempts at creating a dog's mythology are sometimes funny. However, on the minus side, the lecture was extremely slow, with nature descriptions and thick local dialects slowing the pacing. I did feel for the animals' struggle, but the author's push in a particular direction felt heavy-handed. In conclusion, this is a disappointment for me from a favorite author, but others may have a different experience. Adams remains a gifted storyteller, but I got the sense he wants others to conform to his convictions.

Wow. I am truly floored by this story.

Those poor dogs had such a tragic fate. They managed to escape from a research facility that seemed to have no other purpose than to torture animals. They fled to the countryside, only to be hunted down for killing sheep.

The situation is really bleak. Snitter and Rowf, being dogs, naturally know that they are meant to be with humans. But they can't fathom why men have turned against them. They find themselves stuck in a desolate landscape, having to kill and steal for every meal while being pursued for reasons they don't understand.

It really is a cruel world for animals. Poor Rowf, and poor Snitter. They deserve so much better than this.