I was sort of afraid that this book, being a classic, would have some overall message to it. It didn't really seem to- mainly, it was a really good animal/adventure story. A bit dark to be a kids book, so it surprises me that it's a classic. I enjoyed it, but I'm not surprised my parents wouldn't let me read it when I was really little.

THIS IDEALLY SITUATED ESTATE,
COMPRISING SIX ACRES OF EXCELLENT BUILDING LAND,
IS TO BE DEVELOPED WITH HIGH CLASS MODERN RESIDENCES
BY SUTCH AND MARTIN, LIMITED, OF NEWBURY, BERKS."

Such reads a notice board that is put up near a rabbits' warren. But since rabbits cannot read human writings, they do not understand that the sign spells the end of their warren. They do, however, have among them a weak, small rabbit called Fiver who has prophetic abilities. Although he cannot put his paw on it, Fiver senses that something terrible is about to happen. He warns the Chief Rabbit of the impending danger, but to no avail. Growing desperate, he and a few companions flee the warren.

Thus begins a journey beset with dangers, death, grief, and a struggle for survival. The main characters are the already mentioned Fiver, known for his otherworldly insight; Bigwig, the biggest and strongest of the group; Blackberry, a rabbit with wits and brain power; and Hazel, whose authority makes him the future Chief Rabbit.

The first main stop of the rabbits is at another, seemingly prosperous, warren. Once again it is only Fiver who senses that something is terribly wrong with the place. But they find out soon enough: Bigwig gets caught in a rabbit snare set by humans. It is then that the rabbits realize the truth about this peaceful warren: it is maintained by humans for raising and killing rabbits.

Bigwig survives and learns his lesson of humility. As of now, he begins listening to Fiver.

After overcoming more dangers, the rabbits finally start a new warren on a hill named Watership Down. The only problem is that they have no does among them; their warren will therefore die out within a few years. Spurred on by the desire to produce offspring, the rabbits go in search of does that are willing to join their warren. In this they get help from a seagull, who becomes a very unusual friend of the rabbits.

And on it goes . . .

CONCLUSION
The description above is far from capturing the beauty, depth, and melancholy of the book. For in the experiences, faith, and deeds of the rabbits, we see a reflection of our own lives. As Adams writes: "Rabbits (...) are like human beings in many ways. One of these is certainly their staunch ability to withstand disaster and to let the stream of their life carry them along, past reaches of terror and loss. They have a certain quality which it would not be accurate to describe as callousness or indifference. It is, rather, a blessedly circumscribed imagination and an intuitive feeling that Life is Now."

This is one of my favorite books of all time and I have read it at least three times separated by several years. It always amazes me.

Although the story is somewhat dependent on class restrictions and "the right sorts of people", I found it to be compelling today, because so much of it is involved with exactly what is right and wrong to do. I also like the details about high society, even though some of it was incomprehensible to me.
I'm still not sure about the ending. I'm not sure why there was any reason why they shouldn't meet, but if it had ended any other way I would have considered it a sell-out to a happy ending.

I loved this book. I picked it up by chance from a friends bookshelf and was pleasantly surprised. I like to think of it as a later Austen-esque novel. Set in New York, the difference of perspective (the central character being male), I enjoyed the frankness of his personality and seeing how torn he was (like many female characters almost) between two choices.

Character development made this book very enjoyable, and the inevitability of the outcome of the story, was a great observation on not only the expectations placed upon women, but also men within society.

Ultimately however, if you're not one for period stories, avoid this one, because behind all the skill and humour, this is one for the fans.

Good, but not something I'd want to read again.

Pretty, glittery, distant; it swept me up but it didn't take me anywhere.

Pretty, glittery, distant; it swept me up but it didn't take me anywhere.

This novel is told with alternating points of view between a father & daughter. The daughter becomes with a young man from the Hopi Pueblo. Another daughter volunteers for human rights work in Central America. It is a very moving story.

BLURB

Blending flashbacks, dreams, and Native American legends, "Animal Dreams" is a suspenseful love story and a moving exploration of life's largest commitments.

REVIEW

I can't say I really remember the point of this book. I remember a plot that seemed to go to no where in particular. It was good while reading it but I can't say it was good enough for me to remember. I may reread this in the future.

Felt sorry for Gatsby in the end. Not too fond of Daisy though - found her quite selfish to be quite honest.