matthewmincher reviewed Watership down by Richard Adams
Rightfully classic childrens book
5 stars
I somehow avoided both reading this or seeing any of the adaptations. I had high expectations given other reviews and recommendations but was not left disappointed.
Adams weaves a complex tale (which he insists isn't allegory, in the same way Tolkien somehow did...) and I enjoyed following from the perspective of the rabbits. I was surprised how much I loved the breaks in the narrative to cover lapine myths and legends.
While there isn't a candied chestnut or badger lord to be found, there was a similar magic to that I always appreciated in the Redwall books, but infinitely deeper and rawer.
The personalities of some of the rabbits are explained by the author to be inspired by his experiences of the second world war, and I think that definitely shines through.
Not much here for girls unfortunately, but it is a product of its time. Audiobook was narrated by …
I somehow avoided both reading this or seeing any of the adaptations. I had high expectations given other reviews and recommendations but was not left disappointed.
Adams weaves a complex tale (which he insists isn't allegory, in the same way Tolkien somehow did...) and I enjoyed following from the perspective of the rabbits. I was surprised how much I loved the breaks in the narrative to cover lapine myths and legends.
While there isn't a candied chestnut or badger lord to be found, there was a similar magic to that I always appreciated in the Redwall books, but infinitely deeper and rawer.
The personalities of some of the rabbits are explained by the author to be inspired by his experiences of the second world war, and I think that definitely shines through.
Not much here for girls unfortunately, but it is a product of its time. Audiobook was narrated by Peter Capaldi, who did an excellent job.