general

Watership Down is probably my favorite book of all time. It's one of those remarkable books that manages to tie together the qualities that matter most to me. The plot is full of twists, the writing can't be beat, and the characters are incredibly believable. The rabbits are not so fictitious that they carry around swords and walk upright, but nor are they the boring, fluffy creatures one might imagine. They have a whole culture of their own, which includes Lord Frith (the sun) and a whole language called lapine (What? You thought rabbits were stupid? Silly you).
The story starts with Fiver, a small rabbit with special kind of gift, who warns them that they must escape, because some great evil is coming. He only convinces a few, and they set out, wandering and vulnerable, onto a course that includes fear, hate, and tenderness. They meet some pretty twisted rabbits (which give ME the chills), and plenty of elil (enemies). One of the funniest points is when they're finally settled, happy on a hillside after days of traveliing unprotected, and they realize there aren't any females. Obviously this is another problem that leads them into yet more adventurous acts.
While this book is wonderful, I've found that it's extremely difficult to convince someone to read a book, when you are forced to begin, "It's about rabbits...". After the first sentence, they become uninterested.
No really, listen! It's a GOOD book about rabbits...

The first time I read this book I was in the seventh grade. I am now almost thirty years old and it still remains the most enjoyable novel I have ever experienced. This novel has everything a reader could possible want; adventure, suspense, romance, betrayel, and never-ending mythology. Yes, the characters are rabbits, which may not seem credible at the start of the story, but soon you begin to realize that this is not just a tale about bunny rabbits. It is a tale of a group of wanderers who are forced to flee the only home they have ever known. Once out in strange and unfamiliar surroundings they must learn to rely on each others strengths and capabilities in order to survive. While searching for a new home they encounter many dangers along the way, from foxes and dogs, to man and his many unnatural creations, to the most dangerous enemy of all, that of their own kind. You will be forever moved and touched as you follow the many adventures of Hazel, Fiver, Bigwig and their friends. I can't imangine anyone coming away unchanged after reading about the rabbits of Watership Down.

I first experienced the amazing lapine world in Watership Down at the age of 7 when my mother read it aloud to me. I was absolutely entranced by the different characters, the epic feel of the journey (which would seem as mere miles and months to humans), and the deeply entrenched mythos that tells the rabbits their place in the world.

If you enjoy the deep world and characters of Tolkien, you will find this book to be endearing and riveting. This novel is not just for children or for high school English; it is for everyone and is an experience to share with the ones you love.