Watership Down by Richard Adams
by Jenners • 06/27/2012 • 5 Stars, A Authors, Audiobook, Classics, Fiction, W Titles • 56 Comments
Watership Down written by Richard Adams and read by Ralph CoshamPublisher: Blackstone Audio, 2010
Length: 15 hours and 51 minutes
Genre: Fiction, Classic
Where I Got It: Downloaded it from Audible
Why I Read It: This book is considered a classic and yet I’d never read it, stupidly thinking a book about rabbits might not interest me
My Rating: 5 stars
Book Description
A small group of rabbits leave their warren in the English countryside when one of them (a small rabbit named Fiver who has the gift of prophecy) foresees bad things on the horizon. The book chronicles their adventures as they seek a place to build a new warren. Under the leadership of Hazel, the band of rabbits faces many obstacles—from how to cross a river to the lack of does to the penultimate battle with a warren run by the evil General Woundwart.
My Thoughts
I cannot believe that I didn’t read this book until this year!! Originally published in 1972, Watership Down has been sitting out there my entire life and yet it took me until 2012 to read it. All I ever knew was that it was a book about rabbits. The simplistic book description is also deceiving. Yet it took only an hour of listening for me to realize that I was in the presence of greatness—a true 5 star read. Watership Down was an incredibly satisfying, rich and magical reading experience—the kind of book that transcends age and time. In my opinion, it deserves a place on the list of best books of all time, and it certainly has earned a place on my list of all-time favorite books.
What makes the book so satisfying is that it works on multiple levels and that Adams strikes the perfect balance between reality and magic. Not only will the book satisfy children looking for a gripping adventure tale and rabbit folklore (the book grew out of a series of stories that Adams told his daughters), it will also satisfy an adult reader, with the rich personalities of the rabbits (we all have a Big Wig in our lives, I’m sure) and how well the rabbits’ lives translate into our human lives. Although Adams talks in the introduction about how the book is not an allegory, it is not difficult to see the differences between the leadership approaches of Hazel and General Woundwart.
Perhaps the best choice that Adams made is that, although these are talking rabbits, he makes them grounded in reality. In the introduction, Adams talks about how he never has his rabbits do anything that a real rabbit wouldn’t do. These are not rabbits who build little houses and wear clothes like Peter Cottontail. They are wild and natural rabbits and they live as such. When faced with an obstacle such as how to cross a river, they come up with a solution that felt realistic, plausible and yet seemed like a huge leap of logic for a rabbit, which is why Blackberry (the “smart one”) had to come up with it.
Adams even gives the rabbits their own language (Lapine), which I found myself easily adopting. (Their word for tractor or car is hrududu, which, when pronounced by an awesome reader like Ralph Casham, sounds just like a vehicle engine as interpreted by an animal.) It became commonplace to hear words like silflay (going aboveground to feed) and know exactly what they meant.
Another wondrous touch was the rich folklore and mythology that Adams creates for the rabbits. One of the ways the rabbits keep their spirits up and adapt to their surroundings is by repeating the stories of El-Ahrairah, one of the first rabbits, whose exploits and trickery are woven throughout the book. I adored these stories about El-Ahrairah and enjoyed seeing how the rabbits would adapt the story to their present situation.
The other thing I loved about this book was that Adams doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life. The rabbits face real danger, including death and injury. Yet these moments are leavened by moments of triumph, peace and sweetness. There were also moments of comic relief (the pidgin talk of the gull Keehar and Big Wig’s take on the world just tickled me). In addition, Adams writes one of the most beautiful and satisfying death scenes I’ve ever read in literature.
Nothing I can write can really capture how wondrous and satisfying and pleasing this book was. If you’ve not read it yet, please get a copy (either in print or on audiobook) and read it as soon as possible. You don’t want to miss this book like I almost did. It is brilliant on so many levels, and I applaud Adams for creating such a wondrous work of literature that hits all the right notes.
About the Narration
Ralph Cosham was the narrator I listened to, and he was pitch perfect. He captured the voices of each character perfectly—from Pipken’s timidity to Big Wig’s warm-hearted bluster. At 15+ hours, this was relatively long listen but I never once tired of it and could not wait to immerse myself in this world over and over again. It was with a real sense of loss that I finished this book.
Recommended For
This is as perfect as a book can get and I recommend it to everyone. If you haven’t read it yet, I strongly urge you to do so. I shall definitely be reading/listening to this one again, and I cannot wait for my son to be ready for it.
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YAY!! One of my all time faves. I listened to it too and keep telling myself I need to find the time to read it.
I’m planning to buy myself a copy. It was just so wonderful.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. An English teacher had me read it for extra credit and I fell in love with it. Honestly, I cannot pass a large construction project without thinking of Fiver. I never thought to listen to it but that could be fun during my twice weekly commute.
I loved this book when I read it – and was very surprised by it, the storyline and the rabbits and how adult it seemed but not. Anyway, I should pick up a copy for my boy, I think he’ll like it too.
I have always avoided reading this book because of the crying factor. Maybe one day I’ll still give it a read.
I read this years ago and loved it. Isn’t the perspective so unique? Thank you for your wonderful review. I may have to read this one again.
I want to read this one again in a few years … it is worth revisiting. And you’re right–the perspective was so unique and it felt so real too. He did an amazing job with this book.
I read this fairly recently and am so glad. It is referenced SO MANY places, too. It was mentioned at length in The Stand. So glad I read it.
I wish I’d had the references in my back pocket all these years. I’m almost convinced I should read The Stand again just to see the WD references!
I read this as a child. I really must re-read it!
Yes!! I suspect it will speak to you even more as an adult.
I loved this book too. I read it in my thirties and wondered, like you, why it had taken me so long. And I never thought of it as a children’s book. Despite what the author said, I’m sure there’s symbolism and deeper meaning to that story. (Isn’t there?)
I think it is much more than a “children’s book.” In fact, I’m sure children wouldn’t get just how wonderful it is on so many levels. Of course, I could see children getting wrapped up in the story just as much as adults at times. I’m so glad I read it!!
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I have never read this before either! I own it, though. I am glad you recommend it!
(BTW, in case you missed my post I received your postcard! Thanks so much!!)
Oh goodie about the postcard!! I’ve been horribly horribly behind in blogging and visiting so I’m glad to hear it. I’ll swing by soon. Summer is just killing my blogging!!
This was a 5 star read for me many years ago as well
For me it’s actually one of those I’d save if the house was burning kind of books. I’d love to listen to the audio!
The audio with Ralph Cosham is just excellent. He captures their voices so amazingly well and you get so caught up in what is going on.
I am happy to say that I’ve had the opportunity to read this book a few times. Once in school, and once before then on my own. It’s incredibly thought provoking.
It is … yet it is just a ripping good story too, which is what makes it so amazingly good. I can’t wait to revisit again in a few years — and I rarely do that with books.
This book hasn’t been out their my WHOLE life, since mine’s been going a bit longer than yours
– but I still haven’t read it. Picking it up at the library during my noon hour.
Thanks for pointing out what I’ve been missing.
But I’m sure it has just been a scant few years…. : )
I’m so excited to see if you fall under its spell like I did. It is just so so good!!!
Hmmm…..this book sounds…ummm….weird…..but maybe I will try it…..
Oh try it … try it. Especially living out in the country. You’ll never look at rabbits the same way again.
Hmm. My kids loved this in middle school, and I read it many, many years ago, but I’ve been looking for an audiobook for our upcoming car trip. Wonder if everyone wants to hear this again, if it’s that good on audio?
I thought the audio was magnificent … and it might be a neat way to visit a beloved favorite for your kids. I was just so caught up in listening to it. The narrator was just perfect for the story I think.
One of many classics I have never read…
And yet it is a good one .. and I think so many classics aren’t! : )
I haven’t read this or watched the TV programmes/films. As a child I was made to be scared of it and how depressing it is, but I haven’t got any real excuse now. Your review has reminded me about it. I realy should get my copy off the shelf!
You were made to be scared of it? That is a shame. It isn’t for very very young children but I think it would be magical for kids. I wish I’d read it when I was younger. Yet its magic wasn’t lost on me as an adult. If anything, I can appreciate even more. I suspect you shall fall in love. I hope so.
I remember it was good and involved talking rabbits, but it has been sooo long since I read it. Thanks for the refresher.
Oh it is soo good that it probably warrants a reread!
My son loved this book, I just couldn’t bring myself to read about the battle of rabbits. Thank You for your review, I’m sure I have a copy around somewhere.
Oh you MUST read it. It is so so good. Your son has good taste.
Glad you ended with the last comment as I was going to ask if it would be good for kids yet– as we are about to have a long road trip. But sounds like a good one for me for now.
I think they might need to be a bit older to fully appreciate it but keep it in mind for the future. It might even be a wonderful “read at night” book too.
Oh, I adore this book so. I have’t reread it in a few years but I should.
I’m so mad that I waited so long to read it. What if I hadn’t? I would have missed out on so much!
Jenners, I’m glad you enjoyed this so much. Your enthusiastic review is wonderful, and I’m definitely interested in this book or audiobook now.
It is the kind of book that makes you want to try to get everyone you know to read it.
I started this book a long time ago and was enjoying it (I also had a pet rabbit at the time so I thought it would be a fun read) but for some reason I never finished it! I’ve been wanting to go back to it, but I think I might do it in audio. You’ve convinced me that might be a good way to read this one!
It was just magical on audio. The narrator did a terrific job and made a wonderful story even better.
I’m also a big fan. I went on to read anything else by Adams I could find, which sometimes took me to very deep waters for a twelve year old… (I think a teacher confiscated Girl on the Swing and called my mom, who confirmed that she had bought it for me.)
I have forgotten to offer it to my kids though; thanks for the timely reminder. This might be a great audio book for our 15 hour drive this summer.
Oh I think it would be the PERFECT for a long car trip with kids. I was so caught up in it that I was walking extra blocks and doing extra cleaning to keep listening. It would make the time go by and keep you all spellbound. I plan to read more of Adams … but I suspect this book is his masterpiece!
I love this one! I was expecting a silly rabbit story, but it’s so fantastic.
I know!! I was blown away and so mad at myself for not reading it sooner. It is truly one of the best books I’ve ever read.
I’m with you. I thought I’d never read a book about rabbits but it seems I have been missing out on something very special all these years.
You have been!! I don’t know what made me finally give it a listen but I’m so thankful I did!
I also thought this was one of those books that is filled with symbolism that I would never understand. Sounds like I need to get the audio version!
Oh no … it is very understandable and magic and just all around wonderful. The audio was simply perfect!
Mostly all I remember about this book is crying for about six hours after I finished!
I was listening to it on audio and got all teary at the end and felt like a fool walking the dog and wiping away tears. People must have thought I was nuts!
This book has been buried on my bookshelf for 30+ years. Thanks to this review, I’ve pulled it out and placed it in full view. I’ll make a point of reading it before the year is out.
I trust that you will wonder why you waited so so long to read this. I can’t wait to see what you think!
I have never read this either! Maybe my daughter and I should read it together so that the two of us finally get this classic under our belt and know what all the references are
That would be so lovely!! It is just the most wonderful book and sharing it with your child would be magic. I can’t wait to do it with my guy. I need him to grow up just a bit more though.