The Plague Dogs

A Novel

By: Richard Adams

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 15 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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

Author of Watership Down has more

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

How the author has to get in "dog mind" instead of human mind. Those of us who have had dogs can relate to why the author wanted to do it.

What does Ralph Cosham bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's my favorite reader for relaxation, tone, and style. Without him, I wouldn't have tried it at all.

If you could rename The Plague Dogs, what would you call it?

Escape From Experiment: Two Dogs Go Rogue

Great book

I teared up and cried during this book at points. it is not as good as Watership Down and is a bit wordy, having a tendency to drone on on occasion, but a classic book and great story. Just be warned that you'll likely be saying "get on with it!!!" at times lol.

Great author, great story

The narrator does all the accents great! The story is very descriptive and although it is hard to listen to at times, it is worth it in the end.

I love this author so much

Very well written. It’s emotionally impactful, poetic at times and even a few laughs hiding in between, well… Highly recommend. Also very well read by the narrator. A+

The plague dogs.

It was very good.I liked the dogs in the story. I would like to know more about the plague.

A Must Read!

I felt like I understood my dog better after listening to this. Seriously. Richard Adams has an understanding & connection with non-human animals that comes out beautifully in his writing. It can be a hard story at times, only because the truth put in front of us. I’m grateful for writers like Mr. Adams who are willing to write about this truth and place it in such an incredible story.