Watership Down by Richard Adams

[MrShorty]

I can't remember for sure if I read this one when I was young, but I decided to check it out from the library and read it.

In short, the book chronicles the story of a group of rabbits who leave their current warren because of the "prophetic" warnings of Fiver. After leaving they wander across the English countryside in search of a safe place to build a new colony. Along the way, they encounter a couple of different rabbit warrens.

I'm just not very good at extracting stuff out of literature, but it really seems like there could be some interesting things to learn and discuss about this book. Adams seems to be using Hazel to maybe comment on what makes an effective leader. He shows a little about the value of helping the less fortunate (like the field mouse).

Even a little bit inspiring, as, even a few days later, I still reflect on the image of Bigwig facing General Woundwort and saying, "My chief rabbit told me to defend this burrow, and I intend to do so until he tells me differently."

All in all, I would say it was a very good book and a recommended read.

[rameumptom]

A wonderful book. I first read it in high school. The song "Watership Down" by America is also very good.

[Backroads]

I just read this last year after years and years of planning to. An incredible book.

[lizzy16]

Read a lot of it in 5th grade. A girl and I decided to read each others favorite books...HATED this book.

Who wants to read about a bunch of bunnies..not me.

And, the stupid glossary of words in the back. Cause we all need to know bunny language....

Maybe I should relook at it with a more mature mind....But thats just what I remember from my first encounter.

[rameumptom]

Lizzy,

Try reading it from another angle: the frail prophet who struggles with seizures, the leader/general who must lead his fellow bunnies to a Promised Land, others who seek to destroy them, internal fights among the group.

There is a lot going on, and a lot of symbolism. As fiction, it has some very powerful characters and events. As a metaphor, it shows the struggle of man trying to find himself. And in its own way, it is Moses' Exodus or the Lehite party striving across the wilderness to their own Promised Land.

[Connie]

Really great book! I've read it twice. My daughter loved it too.

[Backroads]

From what I understand the book was meant for adults, not little kids. I can definitely get behind the child fans, but that tidbit might also explain why others kids just don't get it.