I don't know if I can truly call this little article a “review” of Watership Down. This is a book that has taken root and grown to immense proportions in my mind and life. Reviewing it would almost be like trying to review the Bible—an absurd proposition at best, and heretical at worst. Still, like one who desires to share the joy of knowledge found in the holy scriptures with everyone he meets, I will do my best to describe my near obsession with this simple little book about bunnies.

I say it is a simple book about bunnies, and on the surface that is exactly what Watership Down is. It is the type of book no “serious” reader of literature would approach, unless as a light diversion, a novel to read while relaxing on the beach. Yet, this is the same book that inspired me to fly across the Atlantic, to embark upon a pilgrimage to pay homage to the downs of southern English. And, I was amazed to discover that I was not alone. Even a cursory search on the internet will reveal scores of readers who have been similarly touched by the bunnies living atop Watership Down.

The story centers upon a group of buck rabbits from the Sandleford warren lead by Hazel. The band leaves the warren because Hazel's brother, Fiver, senses an impending danger. Even though Hazel and Fiver do their best to convince the warren's chief of the need to leave the area, much like Cassandra of Greek mythology, Fiver is doomed to not be believed, and in the end only a handful of rabbits join Hazel and his brother in an attempt to set out and create a new life and a new warren.

The first third of the book deals with the dangerous journey across unfamiliar ground in search of a new warren. During the journey, Hazel grows into his role as the leader of the group, and we are introduced to the very specific characters of his companions: Bigwig, the gruff but trustworthy fighter; Blackberry, by far the most clever and sensible; Dandelion, the fastest runner and respected story-teller; Pipkin, the runt of the group, but staunchly faithful to Hazel; and the other rank-and-file rabbits who each have their brief moments in the sun.

One of the most compelling aspects of the story is how skillfully Richard Adams develops the character of each rabbit. It is impossible not to feel some connection with at least one of the intrepid adventurers. By the time the small band finally arrives on Watership Down, our hearts are fully aligned with them. We have become swept up in their story and in their personalities. We look up to Hazel every bit as much as Pipkin, and we respect Fiver's judgment without question. We have become honorary members of the warren.

As it is not my desire in this review to summarize the story so as to ruin the joy of discovery involved in reading a novel for the first time, we will end the synopsis there. But be assured, the adventure of the band of hlessil continues, and during their trials and triumphs you will come to know not only what it means to be a rabbit, but what it means to be truly human as well. This is, I believe, what makes Watership Down such a special book—in reading about a bunch of bunnies, we are really reading about ourselves.