Sunday, August 27, 2006

Reading: Watership Down


0608 Watership Down
Originally uploaded by rooruu.
It's years since I read this for the first time, and some years since I've read it again. It was just as much of a pleasure - this time particularly, beyond the well-told story, which mostly came back to me as I read, other things made an impact. Adams's ability to put you into the English countryside with all your senses, so you hear the birds, see the turn and shape of leaves - evocative writing. The story remains strong, but also the truth of it - how many times and in how many countries/cultures since has a Woundwort had the chance to change the world, and has stayed with autocracy rather than adventuring to co-operation?

If you haven't read it in a while, treat yourself. Wonderful writing.

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