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A review by havespacesuitwilltravel
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
4.0
Well it took me several months to finish but I got it done.
Mainly it took me so long to finish because I had what I’ve heard is one of the worst translations. The other reason is because it is extremely repetitive. It’s basically like reading the same joke over and over again.
The closest thing I could compare it to is a sitcom because Don Quixote and Sancho remain pretty static while they face episodic misadventures. Don’t get me wrong it is a funny routine, but it didn’t really compel me to keep reading. I think if you start this novel and are really amused from the initial chapters you’ll love it, but if the first couple chapters don’t particularly grab you, the rest won’t either.
For me the highlight was Sancho’s earthly wisdom and humor. I loved his misstatements and the myriad of sayings and phrases he employs. I also loved how deliciously petty the second volume is. Which is a reminder that this book’s humor has stood the test of time. It’s not just funny for stuffy classics readers, it will bring mirth to a huge variety of readers.
Also, the satirization of the chivalric romances of the time is well executed and doesn’t necessitate much prior knowledge of the genre. What Cervantes says about the genre could apply to any work that values melodrama and flash over substance.
Overall a humorous classic that quickly overstayed its welcome for me. I would recommend giving it a shot though because if you appreciate the beginning you’ll enjoy the rest.
Mainly it took me so long to finish because I had what I’ve heard is one of the worst translations. The other reason is because it is extremely repetitive. It’s basically like reading the same joke over and over again.
The closest thing I could compare it to is a sitcom because Don Quixote and Sancho remain pretty static while they face episodic misadventures. Don’t get me wrong it is a funny routine, but it didn’t really compel me to keep reading. I think if you start this novel and are really amused from the initial chapters you’ll love it, but if the first couple chapters don’t particularly grab you, the rest won’t either.
For me the highlight was Sancho’s earthly wisdom and humor. I loved his misstatements and the myriad of sayings and phrases he employs. I also loved how deliciously petty the second volume is. Which is a reminder that this book’s humor has stood the test of time. It’s not just funny for stuffy classics readers, it will bring mirth to a huge variety of readers.
Also, the satirization of the chivalric romances of the time is well executed and doesn’t necessitate much prior knowledge of the genre. What Cervantes says about the genre could apply to any work that values melodrama and flash over substance.
Overall a humorous classic that quickly overstayed its welcome for me. I would recommend giving it a shot though because if you appreciate the beginning you’ll enjoy the rest.