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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
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
First 300 pages were great but then it got really repetitive. It was the same “oh it’s enchanted” over and over without adding any additional value. I tried to keep reading but eventually decided to call it quits with 200+ pages left. I liked the first part, but second was superfluous