honestly, I put off reading this for a long time. not outright, but I always had other books higher in the to-read pile. I did not know what the book was about, except that it had to do with rabbits, and perhaps a boat. there is a boat, of sorts I guess, but that’s not where the “Ship” in the title comes from. for moon-calf Americans like myself, I will explain that Watership Down is a place name. it’s a hill.

so the book is about rabbits on a hill? well, yes, but no, of course not. honestly this is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I immediately went out and ordered it in hardcover as I know I will be rereading it at least once every two years for the rest of my life. that’s how amazing it is. so, no, not just rabbits on a hill.

and the rabbits are not Disney rabbits, or Lewis Carrol rabbits, wearing waistcoats and top hats or helping a princess with the household chores. Adams, with fantastic storytelling, weaves you into the world of real rabbits in a delightful, astonishing, and sometimes quite harrowing way. oh, if you only know rabbits to be fluffy little poopsies, you can think again. and you might not feel so comfortable wearing bunny slippers after this, either!

this book is an adventure unlike anything I was expecting. I was laughing; I was on the edge of the bed with my eyes wide open; I was even crying, and it takes one hell of a story to make me cry. I was practically blissful at the end of the book, even though it was over.

yay, Watership Down :D

A Hare-o-ing tail of courage and survival on the Down. Written from a rabbits point of view its quite unique. I liked it.

I recently gave a copy of this to a friend who said to me, "Rabbits? For years I thought this was about a boat!" Guess she'd never seen the cover of the book. *g*

That said, this ranks right up there with Betty Smith's 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' as one of my all time favourite books. Who would have throught a book about RABBITS would be engaging?

It was a very emotional read - sorrow, anger, joy and every emotion in between was felt as I read this book. I have vague memories of the animated movie and lots of blood - so I had been scared to read this book even though I had wanted to do so for several years. I'm thrilled that I read it now and found it a wonderful read - a fantastic story of survival against all odds. (Yes, I might hunt down the movie just to see it 'in action'!)

A fantastic adventure story about a band of rouge rabbits who strike out on their own for a courageous journey that proves their courage and friendship are the epitome of strength. Overcoming extreme obstacles to triumph in the very face of evil, these rabbits will have readers hooked from the first chapter. This book is the definition of a timeless classic and one I've read at least once a year every year for the last 19 years after my grandmother gave me my first copy when I was only 11. I've literally read the cover off of at least 6 copies of it since then.

I was recommended this book by a customer at the library where I work. He said it was his favorite book of all time and at first I was a little skeptical but once I started reading I started to see why. The rabbits the story revolves around are great characters. They struggle to survive and to find a new place to call home. The story is interesting and you even get to hear the rabbit creation myth and other tales from the beginning of rabbit time. I thought the first half of the book was a little slow but once the rabbits get to Watership Down it speeds up and is hard to put down in places. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys classics or animal-centered stories.

The timeless classic novel of exile, courage and survival. A wonderful story told through the eyes and lives of a band of rabbits...forced to flee the destruction of their fragile community...and their trials and triumphs in the face of extraordinary adversity as they pursue a glorious dream called "home." If you've thought that a story about rabbits couldn't be compelling, you are in for a wonderful experience. You feel their excitment, their fear, their pain and finally their joy at finally finding a place to call home. A truly beautifully told story. And one that humans could certainly learn from!!

This book is one of the best I've ever read - 4 times. It is hard at first to pick up a book about rabbits. Rabbits? Well, I can assure you, this book is about so much more than just rabbits. It is a very well-crafted story of striking out into the unknown because staying would be worse, and carving your niche into the world with people (or rabbits) you can count on by your side. It is about society, politics, fear, love and control. It is about all of these things and more, and yes, it is also about rabbits. If there is only one book you pick up that you are unsure of, make it this one. I guarantee you will find it as amazing as I did!

This is one of my most favorite books. I think that everyone should read it. I have just never read about characters that I fell in love with like these ones and all the troubles they have I just couldn't put it down.

Great summertime reading material... Book was fun to read and the cast of characters were easily lovable!
Only issues I had was with the "rabbit" language that was used... every once in awhile I would have to refer to the glossary of terms which slowed up the reading

Overall.... I would recommend... Definitely a classic!

I've read this book more than any other book I've ever read. I first read it in 7th grade and then several times after that. It's simply a wonderful book that everyone should read.

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4

The book I am posting has a different cover than that posted above, but same content. It's a 1975 edition. I haven't read actual book so don't know if it's any good.

such a cute story!

This copy has a different cover

A 7th grade reading requirement.

A little violent, but unusual

If you've never read this--you should.

Wonderful story. I will always love this book about a world of rabbits.

Great book.

Interesting book.

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