Watership Down #1
Richard Adams
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| Front cover |
Date read: 30 March - 10 April 2020
Length: 478 pages
Published: 1972
When Fiver predicts something terrible will happen to their current warren, a few rabbits decide to embark on a journey of a lifetime; the search for a peaceful place to have their new warren. They face many dangers, including General Woundwort, the leader of Efrafa. Will they come to an agreement, or is this war?
So I first read this book many, many years ago, when I was a child. I'm not even sure if I read the whole thing, so it was pretty much like reading it for the first time again. I've also seen the film, but anyone who knows me knows I'm rubbish at remembering what happens in films, unless it's one I've seen many times or really, really like. Anyway, this book is so good!
On the back of the book it says that Richard Adams wanted to write "a proper grown-up novel for children", and this is that book. I would say he achieved what he set out to do. Although the novel is about rabbits and features other animals as well, it could also have been about humans. The characterisation of the animals is so real, sometimes you forget it's about rabbits.
My favourite rabbits are probably Hazel and Bigwig. At first Hazel seems an unlikely leader, especially since having no experience in the previous warren. However, he soon proves himself to be a fair and methodical leader. He thinks about what is best for the whole warren and not just a few rabbits or himself. Bigwig is loyal and also willing to work for the whole of the warren.
Kehaar is a bird that helps the rabbits to fight General Woundwort, and also helps them to find their new home. The rabbits first meet Kehaar after he is injured, and they help him recover. It is an unlikely friendship, but one that I think does both parties good.
General Woundwort is an idiot, to put it plainly. He is against any type of change, and if any change were to happen, it would have to be his idea only. A few rabbits travel to Efrafa seeking some does and possibly a few bucks for their new warren. Even though Efrafa is overcrowded and this suggestion would favour everyone, General Woundwort refuses to let anyone leave, including the rabbits from Watership Down. Idiot.
The ending wasn't actually as sad as I thought it was going to be, or I remember it being. So when I watched the film I remember having a lump in my throat at the end, but when I was reading the book again, I wasn't that sad. Maybe because I'm older now? I'm not sure.
Watership Down is a very good book, and I highly recommend reading it.
Overall rating
Thanks,
The Wee Librocubicularist
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