Wow.
Watership Down, as I'm sure you're aware, is a book about rabbits. But here's the thing: it's still good. Really good. Very good indeed. As Noah says, it begins with the exodus from the main burrow of a small group of rabbits who fear something vague and unspecific. The mystical Fiver, his wise, quiet brother Hazel, storyteller Dandelion, genius inventor Blackberry, fighting rabbit Bigwig, small, nervous Pipkin (and a couple of other minor rabbits!) set out on a long and arduous journey. The obstacles they meet along the way are many and various, and give rise to reflection on the state of human society and relationships. I agree with Noah that the mythology Adams has created (augmented in the book by fragments of rabbit-language) gives an authentic feel. Tales of El-ahrairah are interwoven very meaningfully with the main story of Hazel and his group of followers. Another thing that I really enjoyed about this book was the short quotations at the beginning of every chapter. Normally I find these an irritation, but Adams has chosen them so very well that they truly enhanced my reading of the story.
Normally I dislike stories about anthropomorphised animals, but this is different. The rabbits retain rabbit-like characteristics, and yet make us think about our own human characteristics. It's a truly implausible tale, but its telling makes it feel plausible.
By the way Noah, it's 'elil', and specifically 'homba' if you mean a fox. But I'm sure you knew that.
Definitely among my favourite of the books I've read for this challenge. What more can I say? Read it!
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