Tales from Watership Down

I haven't read the first book yet, but since everybody else says this book is worse than the first, gosh, I'm going to love the first book. If there's the one greatest thing in this book I must capitalize upon, it would be Speedwell's Story. If you haven't read the book, and want someone to spoil for you, here are three words: sky-blue horse (Or is that two?) I like the El-Thingummy stories best. You should try this book if you like rabbits. I like rabbits!

This book is not very similar to the original novel, which is what I think makes it so interesting and worthwhile to read. I definitely prefer the original, but I believe this work has something important to say. Each of the tales is worthy of the telling and the reading. I probably will not re-read this as I have the original work, but I don't think I should be comparing this novel to the original one in this review. This is good storytelling in-and-of itself and does not need to be put side-by-side with Watership Down. The shorter tales are excellent quick reading, and make this an easier book to pick up and put down in our busy lives. Much of what the author is saying in these tales is incredibly fascinating. I was particularly drawn to the paradox that the man-smell, which the rabbits would generally use as a reason to outcast one of their own, is actually what saves the warren. The wisdom of the characters to recognize this is nicely woven into the tale. As with his other works, Richard Adams shows incredible insight into our natural world, especially that of community living animals. It is nice to see humanity in these creatures; or rather, theirs reflected in us. (I am not sure which is more accurate.) This is a nice collection of touching tales that definitely have something significant to say. As long as readers are not expecting a repeat of the original book, I believe this will be an enjoyable experience. Just don't expect it to read like a sequel. J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles

Richard Adams did it again! This is a must buy. It isn't a full story but it has a lot of their folklore which is very interesting and worth reading a second time, in fact I read it in one day! It also has some tales to keep you up on how our little rabbit friends are doing.

I have just been reading some reviews of this, which go from excellent to awful in terms of how it is. I first would say that I have never encountered an author with the imagination of Mr. Adams. He is brilliant. Read WD. Read "Shardik". Read "The Plague Dogs". Read "Maia". I found the stories here wonderful and fascinating. El-ahrairah does not come off as a begger as some reviewers have said, but more of an epic hero than in WD. His journeys after the encounter with the Black Rabbit of Inle are indeed epic in scope and content. The "Rabbit's Ghost Story" was chilling and the tale of El-ahrairah's journey to the Kingdom of Yesterday, where a bison rules over all the animals and plants that were ever extinct is true genius. Enchanting writing. I found part III of the book a welcome return to much loved characters. Yes, this is not "Watership Down". Mr. Adams could never write something like that again. No one could. Trying to write a sequel to it is like someone writing a sequel to Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" (which someone did a few years back: it was awful!) or writing a sequel to Tolstoy's "War And Peace". It just can't be done. What this book is is a wonderful companion and extension to the original story. I am further enriched by it and shall continue to look at those rabbits in the grassy meadow near my house with perpetual wonder and respect.

After reading Watership Down, I immediatly set to work on Tales From Watership Down, and I'd like to say that I wasn't in the least bit disappointed. It was great to read more stories about El-ahrairah and Rabscuttle, and better to read more about the Watership rabbits. I definately recommend this book to anyone who loved Watership Down.