Watership Down

by Richard Adams
Watership Down cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Adventure
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Paperback • £8.99–£9.99 Hardback • £16.99
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Format • £7.59–£16.14
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Technical
  • ID: 1635
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780141341934
  • Publisher: Puffin Books
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 54
  • Reviews: 4

Watership Down is a timeless adventure that captures the essence of courage and resilience. When Fiver, a small rabbit with a powerful intuition, foresees the destruction of their warren, he convinces his brother Hazel and a small band of rabbits to embark on a dangerous quest for safety. Their journey is filled with challenges and close calls, but Fiver's foresight ultimately leads them to Watership Down, where they face their greatest challenge yet. This beloved classic, winner of the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, is not just a story about rabbits; it's a profound exploration of leadership, community, and the will to survive. The vivid descriptions of the rabbits' world and the intricate social dynamics within their society make this a compelling read for all ages.

Reviews
Book Thoughts from Bed · 2021-01-31
enjoyable 4.00

The book is enjoyed for its well-executed themes of courage and its comparison to epic fantasy works like Lord of the Rings.

This reviewer compares Watership Down to Lord of the Rings, highlighting its epic themes and well-developed characters. They appreciate the depth of the story and the way Adams weaves together adventure, mythology, and survival. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes of courage and perseverance make it a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed Watership Down. It's been compared to Lord of the Rings but with rabbits.

    The themes of courage, survival, and the search for a home are universal and deeply moving.

    The effort that Adams puts into creating a rich and believable world for his rabbit characters is impressive.

Write Out Loud Blog · 2020-04-05
wonderful 4.50

The book is celebrated as a wonderful tale of rabbits searching for a mythical place of peace and security. It is also praised as an anthropomorphical tour-de-force.

This reviewer truly enjoys the book as both a simple adventure story and a deeper allegory. They appreciate the rich mythology and the way Adams brings the rabbits to life, making their journey both epic and relatable. The reviewer also highlights the timeless themes of courage and survival that resonate with readers of all ages.

Quick quotes

    The book is wonderful just as a tale of rabbits searching for a mythical place of peace and security, or you can see it as an anthropomorphical tour-de-force.

    Adams's prose is beautiful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the English countryside.

    The themes of courage, survival, and the search for a home are universal and deeply moving.

SFF Book Review · 2019-03-04
enjoyable 4.50

The book is praised for its enjoyable read, particularly because of the mythology about El-Ahrairah and the rich storytelling.

This reviewer finds Watership Down to be a truly enjoyable read, particularly for its rich mythology and storytelling. They highlight the effort Adams puts into creating a believable world for his rabbit characters and the depth of the themes explored. The reviewer also appreciates the blend of adventure and mythology that makes the book compelling.

Quick quotes

    This was a truly enjoyable read, particularly because of the mythology about El-Ahrairah and how rabbits came to be what they are.

    The effort that Adams puts into creating a rich and believable world for his rabbit characters is impressive.

    The themes of courage, survival, and the search for a home are universal and deeply moving.

The Guardian · 2013-12-19
comforting 4.50

The story is praised for its mythical nostalgia and timeless appeal, making it a comforting and inspiring read. The journey and quest for survival are particularly highlighted.

This review emphasizes the mythical nostalgia that permeates Watership Down, making it a story that readers return to time and time again. The reviewer appreciates the treacherous journey and quest for survival depicted in the book, which adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. The story's timeless appeal is noted, as it continues to captivate readers with its blend of adventure and profound themes. The reviewer also highlights the comforting and inspiring nature of the book, making it a beloved classic.

Quick quotes

    A sense of mythical nostalgia makes this story – of a treacherous journey and quest for survival – one to pick up, time and time again.

    The story's timeless appeal is noted, as it continues to captivate readers with its blend of adventure and profound themes.

    The reviewer also highlights the comforting and inspiring nature of the book, making it a beloved classic.

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