The Plague Dogs

A Novel

By: Richard Adams

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Richard Adams, the author of Watership Down, creates a lyrical and engrossing tale, a remarkable journey into the hearts and minds of two canine heroes, Snitter and Rowf.

After being horribly mistreated at a government animal-research facility, Snitter and Rowf escape into the isolation—and terror—of the wilderness. Aided only by a fox they call “the tod,” the two dogs must struggle to survive in their new environment. When the starving dogs attack some sheep, they are labeled ferocious man-eating monsters, setting off a great dog hunt that is later intensified by the fear that the dogs could be carriers of the bubonic plague.

©1977 Richard Adams (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Gripping…A compelling tale of emotional force and high suspense.” ( Wall Street Journal)

Loved it!

This story, I laughed. I cried. I was enraged. This story was great. Some of the language was difficult for me to keep up with (v. authentic though), so I ended up slowing it down for most of the book. The dogs, they were heartwarming! The descriptions of their personality weren't childish as is often the case in other novels. They highlighted some deep ethical issues. I am sure I'll end up reading this one again and sharing with my kid when he's a bit older.

Great story, difficult narration

This was a great novel, very sad topics tackled but written quite well. I almost returned this book twice because the narration was dry and flat. Only the todd character had any life, but was overkill, too good. I didn’t understand what was being said due to the strong accent. I listened to Watership Down and that narration was very good. The story was eye opening.

Emotional Damage

Narrator was awesome, story was amazing and heartbreaking in the best way possible. I read this because I loved Watership Down and I was not disappointed.

A good dog story

Snitter is a good dumb dog and Ralph is a strong loyal companion of his. A great book read by a good reader.

Beware!

The Plague Dogs

I honestly do not know if I should recommend this book or warn people off of it.
It is a good book but any violence towards dogs, pets in general rubs me the wrong way and this degree of neglect, torture in the name of science etc is extreme.

Note, the true message is awesome. The writing is superb, I have seldom disliked so many characters so violently!
The plot line is intricate and flawless.
But....the poor puppies. Even the rats got to me and trust me, rats, spiders, mice etc should according to my life philosophy not enter my domain as I try to avoid theirs.

If however your easily distressed, then stay clear. If you need a reminder why people turn into tree huggers then by all means, have a listen.

The narrator in this book is part of why this was so hard for me. He made every character unique with a voice all it's own. Brilliant.

WaAr