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)

Wow! Heartbreaking then uplifting!

This book made me sadder and sadder then from the depths of despair the ending was what I hoped for! I really liked it!

Excellent story

Loved it. The final few chapters were so entertaining but it was all great !
Thank you

THE PLAGUE DOGS

Marvelous book! The Plague Dogs is about the life and times of two dogs caught in a life situation way outside of the control of most human beings let alone that of to hapless dogs who's lives have been out of control for as long as they can remember. To their rescue comes Digby, a human who like his counterparts, this pair of mutts.

Ralph and Snipper, the stars of our story, happened to have grabbed Digby's attention all right. They are owened by a London government run laboratory that uses animals as test subjects. Uses animals, that is, until there's nothing worth salvaging.

It's all about results, ... and wouldn't you know it Digby loves a good story! Even one manufactured, twisted, tweaked and spun for all it is worth.

Digby spells a story... and he loves punishing politicians... these two so called 'plague dogs' have Digby's
bi-line written all over it... or it will Have!

Well written and informative. A must read for readers interested in Animal Rights.

profoundly beautiful and thought provoking

The prose, the narration and the story were a rare treat. I recommend it for any thoughtful animal lover.

Such a great story.

Amazing read. The ending is very different than the movie ending! Heart warming story that forces you to see the cruelty in man and the desperate compassion in canines. Love!

a dark story; spoiler alert in body before

I think this one is a difficult book to hear versus read because it is so dark. the narrator's dark voice lends itself to it. in that respect, it is a very good book. but it is depressing and sometimes a little over-wrought die to the author's rants.

Spoiler alert: if it weren't for the happy ending I could not have finished it.

Brilliant!

Hard to say which was better - Richard Adams' writing or Ralph Cosham's narration!
Just a brilliant tale. Heartbreaking but redemptive, this was the best listen of the year for me...
Mr. Cosham MUST be hired to narrate Shardik. Seriously, this must happen!

A golden oldie

I had read this book many years ago and was enthralled anew by this audio version. It is beautifully written. Gives one much food for thought. I loved it

My Favorite Book

Over the years, I’ve read or listened to this book more times than I can remember. This book has displaced Stephen King’s, The Stand as my favorite book of all time! The story of Snitter and Rowf serves to remind me how much I’ve loved all the various dogs in my life especially when they’ve been not particularly well behaved (mostly during puppyhood) or during times when I’m tired and not in any mood to take them on a stroll through the park. I can’t bear the idea that any human, corporation, or government agency, would view them as an unfeeling means to an end or as a convenient tool to create or market some product without regard to their health and well being. They are sentient beings who fear, hate, love and desire. They have distinct personalities and are deserving of our compassion and kindness. I’ve even named one of my own dogs Snitter, after one of the main characters. He’s a dachshund, not a fox terrier but he does have a magpie jacket, lol! I would encourage everyone to read this book without exception. And even though this is not a children’s book (It does have some rather adult themes) I would even recommend it for children. I think it would be especially good for children because it would help them learn kindness, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, and understanding. They would also learn that even the nicest of people make mistakes and that redemption for those who seem to be villains is just around the corner. Seriously, read or listen to this book. You can’t go wrong.

Charming

I loved this story. I was so immersed I felt like I was there. The narrator was wonderful, very clear and a pleasing voice.