66 pages 2 hours read

Richard Adams

Watership Down

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1972

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Watership Down by Richard Adams follows a group of rabbits led by Hazel as they escape their threatened warren, search for a new home, and defend it against various enemies. Their journey entails numerous challenges, including dangerous terrain, hostile predators, and encounters with other rabbit societies, ultimately finding refuge on Watership Down. The book includes scenes of violence involving animals.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Richard Adams' Watership Down is widely praised for its rich, imaginative storytelling, compelling characters, and themes of adventure and survival. Critics commend its emotional depth and allegorical layers, though some find its pacing uneven and its violent scenes intense for younger audiences. Overall, it's a beloved classic that resonates with readers of all ages.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Watership Down?

Ideal for readers who appreciate epic adventures with rich world-building, Watership Down by Richard Adams will captivate fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and George Orwell's Animal Farm. This novel seamlessly blends mythic storytelling with poignant themes of survival and community through the journey of a band of rabbits.

RecommendedReading Age

12+years

Lexile Level

880L

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Action / Adventure

Children's Literature

Topics

Animals

Leadership/Organization/Management

Themes

Society: Community

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance