bookish_riz's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
aishaaj's review
3.0
Decent book. However, it took a not too novel idea and applied a twist that was a little too "out there" for me. I did not learn anything from this book, but I enjoyed it.
readerette's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of the best books I've ever read, and I've been an avid reader across genres and authors since childhood.
It is well written, intellectually stimulating, darkly funny, and relevant to the real world, yet still an enjoyable escape from it. I laughed, I cried, I reflected on humanity's place on the planet and in the universe.
I don't want to tell you too much, because just going in with an open mind and letting the story flow over you seems like the best way to do this one. Rabbits suddenly anthropomorphize and it's hard for humans to accept this new evolutionary neighbor. Hilarity, cringe, painful learning and conflict ensue, and the ending is heartbreakingly beautiful and satisfying. Literally trying not to cry publicly on the airplane where I just finished this book as I write this review.
For reference, I deeply enjoyed Early Riser, and I think this book is better.
It is well written, intellectually stimulating, darkly funny, and relevant to the real world, yet still an enjoyable escape from it. I laughed, I cried, I reflected on humanity's place on the planet and in the universe.
I don't want to tell you too much, because just going in with an open mind and letting the story flow over you seems like the best way to do this one. Rabbits suddenly anthropomorphize and it's hard for humans to accept this new evolutionary neighbor. Hilarity, cringe, painful learning and conflict ensue, and the ending is heartbreakingly beautiful and satisfying. Literally trying not to cry publicly on the airplane where I just finished this book as I write this review.
For reference, I deeply enjoyed Early Riser, and I think this book is better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
Minor: Gun violence, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and War
spuddleing's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
planetbeth91's review against another edition
5.0
Witty satire of blazing accuracy. Chilling, relevant, realistic upto the point that Jasper Fforde could ever be realistic The Constant Rabbit's metaphor is so on the nose as to be devastating.
jmatkinson1's review
5.0
In 1965 there was an Event and several species anthropomorphised - foxes, weasels, guinea pigs and rabbit - now 25 years later and the Right-wing government are promoting Rabxit, moving all the rabbits to Wales. For Peter Knox this is disappointing, although he works for a secret service identifying rabbits he harbours found feelings for a rabbit he met at University in Barnstaple. When a family of rabbits moves into his beloved village he has to decided which side of the line he is on.
To explain a Jasper Fforde novel is like trying to plait fog, it's a satirical fantasy at heart and comparisons with Swift are not going too far. However there is so much to love, the silly little in-jokes, the references to modern media (loved the 'Mastercook' passage) and the way that sweeping politics is brought down to the basics. I picked up my first Fforde book twenty years ago by accident, 'The Eyre Affair' had just been published and I thought I'd give it a go, now I eagerly await each new book because he never disappoints.
To explain a Jasper Fforde novel is like trying to plait fog, it's a satirical fantasy at heart and comparisons with Swift are not going too far. However there is so much to love, the silly little in-jokes, the references to modern media (loved the 'Mastercook' passage) and the way that sweeping politics is brought down to the basics. I picked up my first Fforde book twenty years ago by accident, 'The Eyre Affair' had just been published and I thought I'd give it a go, now I eagerly await each new book because he never disappoints.
eion's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
tabithar's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars. This is not my favorite of Mr. Fforde's books but its not for the reasons I've seen cited most.
I think Mr. Fforde makes some really good points. For those confused, this is about how a dominant group interacts with a larger incoming group that they perceive (not truth centered but perspective centered) could threaten their established norms. In true Ffordian style, he approaches the topic with some science fiction absurdity. What surprised me was the anti-hero, who really represented a view of what it looks like to cave in to the dominant group over and over because it seems easier/less threatening/safer than taking a stand that he's not sure he really feels "that strongly" about. In short, it's a cautionary tale and a partial exaggeration of the consequences of taking a lukewarm stance on everything in life, especially on big issues. It is the kind of book that can give you space to pause and think about your actions and where you align.
The part that bothered me was tied more to a difference in our world views. Mr. Fforde seemed to express that no "human religion" amounted to anything more than bullying or being a pacifist (which in turn enabled more bullying) and ascribed that the rabbits had a "better way", a way marked by being community driven, being part of a whole family that cannot be divided, forgiveness and humility, but also swapping partners as it benefitted the individual and made the strongest offspring, veganism, meditation, and guidance by a prophet, etc. These ideas are at best socialistic but simultaneously they are a different but contradictory form of isolation.
If you are friends with me and want to talk about this further, reach out. I can't recommend this book to you unless you really want to go down a "rabbit hole" thought experiment, pun intended.
I think Mr. Fforde makes some really good points. For those confused, this is about how a dominant group interacts with a larger incoming group that they perceive (not truth centered but perspective centered) could threaten their established norms. In true Ffordian style, he approaches the topic with some science fiction absurdity. What surprised me was the anti-hero, who really represented a view of what it looks like to cave in to the dominant group over and over because it seems easier/less threatening/safer than taking a stand that he's not sure he really feels "that strongly" about. In short, it's a cautionary tale and a partial exaggeration of the consequences of taking a lukewarm stance on everything in life, especially on big issues. It is the kind of book that can give you space to pause and think about your actions and where you align.
The part that bothered me was tied more to a difference in our world views. Mr. Fforde seemed to express that no "human religion" amounted to anything more than bullying or being a pacifist (which in turn enabled more bullying) and ascribed that the rabbits had a "better way", a way marked by being community driven, being part of a whole family that cannot be divided, forgiveness and humility, but also swapping partners as it benefitted the individual and made the strongest offspring, veganism, meditation, and guidance by a prophet, etc. These ideas are at best socialistic but simultaneously they are a different but contradictory form of isolation.
If you are friends with me and want to talk about this further, reach out. I can't recommend this book to you unless you really want to go down a "rabbit hole" thought experiment, pun intended.
kat_curley's review
5.0
After "Early Riser" and now "The Constant Rabbit" Jasper Fforde has become my new favorite author. Clever and imaginative, and on point with so many issues going on today. Sobering and humorous at once and keeps you thinking after you've turned the last page. Note to my librarian friends - speed librarying. Feels like we've been doing a version of this over the past twelve years, hasn't it?