WATERSHIP DOWN: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

WATERSHIP DOWN: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL by Richard Adams. Adapted by James Sturm. Illustrated by Joe Sutphin

Watership Down will forever hold a special place in one of my older daughter's hearts. After reading some pretty heavy classics in a row her eighth grade year-Shakespeare, Dr. Jekyll/ Mr.Hyde, and Frankenstein in an online lit class, the heroic rabbit tale of Watership Down was a breath of fresh air even though it was 475 pages long. She feel in love with the story of adventure that a group of rabbits followed. I just finished the graphic novel adaptation, and I, too, was impressed with the story that strikes at the heart of what most of us desire in a good story, honorable characters. I will be reading the full classic with my high schoolers in lit class this coming year.

When a notice board appears close to the rabbit warren and Fiver (a small rabbit that receives prophetic revelations) announces to everyone that they must leave immediately because destruction is on its way, a small, unlikely group sets out on an epic journey of relocation. What follows is a tale of heroism, endurance, sacrifice, and so much more as they struggle to find a place to call home. Lives are lost, lives are gained, and through it all a band of friendship and trust forms that transitions these rabbits from acquaintances to brothers. I have to say that Watership Down has a quality about it that makes it feel like a Tolkien book but with rabbits at the heart of the story. I'm sure after I read the book in its entirety I will come back and add to this post.