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![Don Quijote de la Mancha I [With MP3] by Miguel de Cervantes](https://cdn.thestorygraph.com/kvhw6thtu7bpnhvxd1ocgvxncu5w)
3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
Interesting book, but not one that I really "enjoyed" too much. It is quite long and I really only enjoyed the second half (covering the second novel of Don Quixote) rather than the whole piece. I will say Edith Grossman's translation is very, very good and I enjoyed the wit of the story. I just found some of the repetiveness of certain elements slightly offputting. I think, as this is quite satirical, this was the intention of Miguel de Cervantes to hiighlight the tropes of chivarly tales but, after the sixth time of him recounting a story about some faux-princess losing her husband, it started to wear thin.
I would still say it is worth reading especially considering its influence on fiction. It uses a lot of elements that are almost baked into novels now and it is pretty funny with some quips that did make me laugh. However, due to its length and repetiveness, I just come away from it feeling a little tired; I was definitely glad to finish it.
I would still say it is worth reading especially considering its influence on fiction. It uses a lot of elements that are almost baked into novels now and it is pretty funny with some quips that did make me laugh. However, due to its length and repetiveness, I just come away from it feeling a little tired; I was definitely glad to finish it.
A book that has been on my ‘to read’ list for ages, which I approached tentatively as an obligation but soon found myself enjoying as a diverting read. This is not the place for another plot summary or literary analysis. Don Quixote can be read at many levels from an interest in the unusual structure and debate about the unreliable narrator, to enjoyment of the send-up of all the notions of chivalry - poor Don Quixote’s obsession, to appreciation of the comedy. I particularly enjoyed Sancho Panza’s ruminations and only wished I could have read the original Spanish version in order to better appreciate the many puns, meticulously indicated in Grossman’s translation. For anyone, like me, who has been intimidated by the length of the two volumes of Don Quixote’s adventures (940 pages in the edition I read), I recommend that they take the plunge. It is unexpectedly refreshing!
adventurous
slow-paced
“When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams — this may be madness. Too much sanity may be madness — and maddest of all: to see life as it is, and not as it should be!”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote
Don Quixote is the tale of a man so engrossed in books of chivalry that he decides to embark on his on journey as Don Quixote. Grossman’s translation allows for all of the wordplay, irony, jokes, and physical comedy to shine through. A delight.
*
When I asked a college professor if any comedy can stand the test of time, she mentioned this book and this translation. If your not laughing when Sancho gets tossed around in a blanket, you clearly aren't reading. This book is hilarious.
Get the Edith Grossman translation.
*
When I asked a college professor if any comedy can stand the test of time, she mentioned this book and this translation. If your not laughing when Sancho gets tossed around in a blanket, you clearly aren't reading. This book is hilarious.
Get the Edith Grossman translation.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes