Watership Down

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a must-read for the summer. Set in south-central England, the story features a small group of rabbits. Although they live in their natural environment, they are anthropomorphized, possessing their own culture, language, proverbs, poetry, and mythology. Evoking epic themes, the novel follows the rabbits as they escape the destruction of their warren and seek a place to establish a new home, encountering perils and temptations along the way. Every time I finish this book I can’t help but feel like I’ve lost some very dear friends. ”

— Miranda • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I am quite judgmental about certain narrations and adaptations — particularly, The Three Musketeers and Watership Down. Both of these require so much personality or the stories lose their sense of adventure; their humor; their excitement; their tension; and, especially, their character. This new narration of this classic book may be one of the greatest performances on an audiobook I’ve ever heard. The care with which former Doctor Who Peter Capaldi gives each rabbit its own distinct voice should get him an Audie award. Every rabbit is so distinct, you’ll always know who’s speaking. If a rabbit is small and timid, you hear it in the little, quavering voice. If a rabbit is annoying, slow, and stupid, you’ll know it. As for the source material, if you’ve never read Watership Down, this is a fantastic way to consume it. This isn’t a story about a bunch of talking rabbits in little outfits, going about their workdays as rabbit lawyers and construction workers. This is about rabbits acting like rabbits in the normal rabbit world of fields and forests, streams and brambles — and an occasional brush with the dangerous human world as well. These rabbits are on a dangerous mission with risks and new experiences. I only take issue with this book being categorized as a children’s story. Sure, it was originally based on tales Richard Adams told you his daughters, but this book transcends age. This audiobook is fantastic and the best performance of Watership Down I’ve ever heard.”

— Keith • Bookie's

Bookseller recommendation

“This has long been one of my very favorite books, but I was unprepared for how perfectly suited Peter Capaldi would be as a narrator for this story. Every voice and character is distinct and brilliantly done, breathing new life and dimension into an already epic piece. I'm sorry to have finished so soon one what was possibly my favorite audiobook this year! ”

— Jane • Rediscovered Books