Deep Dive Into Jane Lee

Just before I start, I would just like to say-I’m running out of intro hooks!!!

This has been my 13th, or perhaps 12th book (though I’m pretty sure it’s my 13th) I’m writing a book review, and I think my introductions are getting a bit too bland.

But back to the topic.

 Watership Down.

This was a thick book, quite long to read. And frankly, at first, it was a bit boring.

The story is complex, with made up words and stories and this whole, rabbit world. The way they talk of some things, in the utmost strangest ways and I was perplexed. Not only that, but the narrative was also, or I thought, bland.

I also hated Fiver, one of the main characters in the story.

I know he was right about most things, but he was just the kind of character I didn’t like. Whiny, a drama queen (or in this case a king) and asking others to follow him and then sulking if things did not go his way. The way he never gave a straight answer. His stubborn streak- and not the good type of stubborn. The way he had to be waited on and listened to with all ears.

His trances, were very annoying to me. The way he screamed and thrashed as if things were coming to an end.

Of course, he wasn’t this spoilt, and his trances were real, but I wish he would grow up. He seems to spend way to much time cowering and giving orders.

However, as the story went on, I found out that the story was intricate and interesting, full of details and interesting story plots. As I headed to the middle, I started to like it more and more, slow, but definitely. It got way more interesting.

One thing I must say though. I was thoroughly displeased at the fact that does (female rabbits) were seen as things. How they were only there to be ‘mudders’ (the bird -it’s name I can’t remember- way of saying mother in his thick accent). How they’re only there to breed, like some kind of cruel human farm.

However, the overall story in the end was pretty satisfactory. After all, it was about hero’s and rabbits, and everyone LOVES those types of books.

The part I liked the most was probably the end, because Bigwig turned into a caring, soft old guy who helped the younger rabbits with his stories and teaching them ways to battle, because he can no longer do that. I loved that bit so much I don’t know why,

Also, Hazel (which I should say is the rightful main character) dies in such a peaceful way, and the metaphor is simply beautiful.

The language itself is quite unique, and beautiful. Well written out, like a pathway that leads to the complex world of the rabbits.

My favorite character was Bigwig. Perhaps it’s because he’s the opposite of Fiver, but I liked him because he was straightforward and he took lead, and had the grace to let Hazel be the leader of the pack, yet fight as if his life depended on it. He was selfless, and something called a true warrior.

What did this teach me?

This taught me that well, frankly, the world is complex.

The world is full of unfairness, good people, bad people, people who do bad for good, people who do good for bad, people who are tall, small, furry, with wings, with scales. In this context the word people means every living thing, who are all a part of our community as a whole,

This taught me that it’s hard to see that good in the bad, the bad in the good, but that we need to try. That we need to be like Bigwig and Hazel to listen to even a meek thing like Fiver and make sure that everyone benefits. It taught me how to be selfless, how to be kind, loyal, and never giving up, even if a home, in this case has not been found yet. To not always put others before me but also to put them forward sometimes.

It taught me all of these things, and I cannot be more satisfied with this book.

Thank you.