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Audiobooks > Juvenile Fiction >  Classics > Watership Down
Watership Down Audiobook, by Richard Adams Play Audiobook Sample

Download Watership Down Audiobook

4.00000670902296 out of 54.00000670902296 out of 54.00000670902296 out of 54.00000670902296 out of 54.00000670902296 out of 5 (4.00) - 149,053 customer ratings
Watership Down Audiobook, by Richard Adams Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Richard Adams Narrator: Peter Capaldi Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audio Length: Release Date: May 2019 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781982562700
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Plot Summary

Fiver may be small, but he has a powerful gift. Fiver, you see, is a seer. He is also a rabbit. And because of his powers, he has seen something that nobody else has; something that will change the course of history for his entire civilization. He has seen, to put it simply, a vision foretelling the complete destruction of the warren.

Along with his brother, Hazel, Fiver does his best to convince the chief rabbit that something evil is coming, and that they have to evacuate. But the chief turns a deaf ear to their warnings, refusing to listen, let alone act. Worried and dejected, Fiver and Hazel determine that their only course of action is to set out with a few of their friends in search of a new home.

The road is not without its perils, however. Their party has barely exited the warren before they face their first obstacle: The Owsla, a caste of military rabbits, are sent to stop them, and they barely escape with their lives. From there onward, it is a non-stop adventure. Fiver's visions lead the band to their final destination, and the various talents of the party members all come in handy as they face various obstacles on their journey to Watership Down. And even if they arrive safely, their adventure will have only just begun.

Richard Adams, born in 1920 is an English novelist, best known for writing Watership Down. He was a student of modern history before joining the British Army during World War II, and after the war he completed his studies and became a member of the British Civil Service. Watership Down, his first book, was published in 1972, and by 1974 he was a full-time author. Having written over 20 books in his decades long career, Adams is now semi-retired, and lives with his wife in Whitchurch, Hampshire.

Publisher Summary

One of the most beloved novels of our time, Watership Down is an epic journey, a stirring tale of adventure, courage, and survival.

Fiver could sense danger. Something terrible was going to happen to the warren; he felt sure of it. They had to leave immediately. So begins a long and perilous journey of survival for a small band of rabbits.

As the rabbits skirt danger at every turn, we become acquainted with the band, its humorous characters, and its compelling culture, complete with its own folk history and mythos. Fiver’s vision finally leads them to Watership Down, an upland meadow. But here they face their most difficult challenges of all.

A stirring epic of courage and survival against the odds, Watership Down has become a beloved classic for all ages. Both an exciting adventure story and an involving allegory about freedom, ethics, and human nature, it has delighted generations with its unique and charming world, winning many awards and being adapted to film, television, and theater.

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Quotes

  • “Quite marvelous…A powerful new vision of the great chain of being.”

    - New York Times Book Review

  • “Spellbinding…A taut tale of suspense, hot pursuit, and derring-do.”

    - Chicago Tribune

  • “If there is no place for Watership Down in children’s bookshops, then children’s literature is dead.”

    - Economist (London)

  • “A classic…A great book.”

    - Los Angeles Times

Awards

  • New York Times bestseller
  • Winner of the 1972 Carnegie Medal for Literature
  • Winner of the London Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize

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Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I must simply eco Rico Suave's words from his Goodreads review: oh man, this book totally tricked me! I got a bad haircut one day so I needed to lay low for a few weeks ("Supercuts", my ass! Liars!). I called two of my hardest, most straight-up thug homies (Zachary and Dustin) to bring me some of their books and this was one of them. I had just watched a show on A&E about WWII naval battles so I couldn't WAIT to read Watership Down! I love sea stories, "man overboard!" and "off the port bow!" and "aye aye cap'n!" all that stuff so I pulled my hat down and started reading. This book totally tricked me! There weren't any torpedoes, no "anchors aweigh!", no old salts telling tales of sea serpents and sexy narwhals, no peg legs, no giant squid, nothing. It had rabbits! This book totally tricked me! Crazy thing is, it was awesome! Bigwig is the man! The rabbit man. Before I was even done I took down one of my Rick Springfield posters, flipped it over, and drew Bigwig protecting the rest of the warren (my favorite part). It came out wrong, I can't draw, so I kind of have a fat dog standing in a hole hanging on my wall but I don't care and I still I give this book FIVE STARS! You should read it. This book totally tricked me. Love, Rico. I will add, for myself, that this is like Tolkien for rabbits. A beautifully crafted world of rabbit lore and culture, full of cunning and lovable characters who will remain with you. Watership Down is a true Hero's Journey to inspire, frighten, and delight any reader. May Frith always shine on you, and may you never stop running. (And Peter Capaldi does an excellent job with the narration.) ~ sunrabbit "

    - sunrabbit, 1/4/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best books I've ever read! "

    - Naching, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one of my most dearly loved memories of my childhood. Hidding under the covers as Grandma Libby read aloud from Watership down. I was so scared of that kingdom of rabbits, I never looked at my backyard the same.. "

    - Marie, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " wonderful allegory "

    - Nantz, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An incredibly engaging and unique story. The adult themes of leadership and survival somehow co-mingle with incredibly sweet and innocent moments of bunny-hood. It's no wonder this one's a classic. "

    - Diane, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Love it, but seriously annoyed by the misogyny. "

    - Rowan, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this book when I was 13 and then again two years ago. I loved it equally both times in my life. The characterisation of the rabbits is wonderful. The adventures are thrilling and you care and fear for their success in life. A warm and interesting book. "

    - Dilly, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a great book. Read it long time ago so I think it's time to read it again. "

    - Sheri, 12/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books! "

    - A.J., 12/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I've read this book at least half a dozen times. One of my favorites. A legitimate classic. "

    - David, 12/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " a tremendously interesting and entertaining tale, masterfully told. "

    - Tom, 12/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Who thought that a book about bunnies would be so emotionally engaging? "

    - Damien, 12/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read ages ago, but always remembered I loved it. "

    - Neal, 12/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Another of my top 10. Page turner. Adams is both a great writer of prose and weaver of myth. "

    - Tracy, 12/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books of all time!!! "

    - Soubhi, 12/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It took me 30 years of owning this book to finally read it. It's wonderful and I didn't want it to end. "

    - John, 12/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Excellent story for all ages. "

    - Bob, 11/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a great book! I only gave it 4 stars because it took me a while to get into it but it is defiantly worth reading. My favorite character was BigWig and I think that the way Richard Adams came up with this book is fantastic. GO BUNNIES!! "

    - Mercer, 10/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " The beginning I thought was good, but by the 3rd rabbit 'adventure' I started to lose interest, probably about half way through. Oh well, it was a classic I have had on my list for a while so I'm happy to have read it. "

    - Dara, 6/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " awsome reading "

    - Dario, 2/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Redwall meets Beatrix Potter. "

    - Shayne, 8/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " If you need a good cry, read this book "

    - C, 6/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It was an exciting book with a good mix of feeling, action, and adventure. It is quite difficult to get into, but if you get past the first few chapters it is incredible. "

    - Perrin, 1/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " wonderful story full of twists and mischief, just what I'd expect from rabbit;-) "

    - Aimee, 12/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I loved this book. Such a good read with lots of suspense and clever rabbits. Now do I dare to give it to my rabbit-mad daughter? Love that a black Lab has a hand in the plot. "

    - Nancy, 8/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a very good book. A little bit long. Extremely thorough and life-like anthropomorhism made this book easy to read. "

    - David, 7/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was marketed as a children's novel. I still don't know why. Excellent novel, heavy adult themes. I am glad it ended on a happier note. "

    - Googa, 6/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " È stato bello ritornare sul Colle Watership, ma l'atmosfera non era più quella magica che si respirava nella Collina dei Conigli.Forse Dente di Leone, invecchiando, non è più bravo come un tempo a raccontare le leggende lapine... "

    - Georgiana, 4/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Pretty much just random tales about the characters in Watership Down. Interesting read, but I don't recommend reading it without reading Watership Down first. "

    - Raymond, 4/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " expecting something a little different than what I got but still a good read. "

    - Makayla, 4/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It’s not that this is a bad book. However, the bar was set so high by Watership Down that any follow-ups will be diminished in its shadow. "

    - Peacegal, 12/17/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not nearly as good as the original book, but there are a couple exceptional stories in this collection that make it worth reading. "

    - Marcie, 9/20/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A nice way to supplement the original novel when you are dying to live just a little bit longer in this wonderful world. "

    - Abby, 8/25/2010
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " This book was a letdown. "

    - Matt, 7/31/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Very bucolic and a refreshingly light read...considering it's about rabbits. However, I was surprised how much sociology permeated the book. "

    - Jake, 7/12/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " We read this in grade school, and I loved it. "

    - Erika, 5/1/2010

About the Author

Richard Adams (1920–2016) grew up in Berkshire, England, the son of a country doctor. After an education at Oxford, he spent six years in the army and then went into the civil service. He wrote many novels and short stories, including Watership Down and Shardik.

About the Narrator

Peter Capaldi is a Scottish actor, director, and screenwriter. He has won two BAFTAs, two British Comedy Awards, an Oscar for directing the live-action short film Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life, and is the Twelfth Doctor of the long-running BBC program Dr. Who. Capaldi lives in London with his wife and daughter.