gheneks 's review for:

Watership Down by Richard Adams

5.0

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This was epic in every sense of the word. Like reading The Odyssey and The Iliad but with rabbits. I enjoyed every bit of it, from the rabbit folktales to the lapine language, to the funny Russian-sounding seagull Kehaar. This is definitely not a children’s book. There’s quite a bit a violence and bloodshed. I was surprised at just how adult this was. The efrafran warren reminded me of a concentration camp so I’m wondering if that was intentional. It was gruesome. Who knew cute little bunnies could be so cruel?

I also appreciated the animal welfare vibes and the “humans are the worst” vibes here too. Coming off reading a book about climate change, this felt apropos.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for an epic tale with memorable characters and larger themes about family, loyalty, and animal welfare.