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A review by ionm
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
With "Don Quixote" Miguel de Cervantes transformed forever the nature of the Western novel from storytelling to a rich narrative capable of exploring human nature. Its quintessential role in literature does not for a second distract the reader in the course of flipping its pages. In spite of its length, the novel sustains remarkable attention with its ingenious wit and beautiful prose.
The whole story seems to be set in a matter of weeks, even days. Don Quixote is a gentleman of learning, who, enamoured by literature, fancies himself a knight-errant. Quickly he enrols Sancho Panza, a local peasant, into the role of a dedicated squire, and they both set in search of grand adventures. Cervantes takes us on a journey in which the fictional fantasy of the master is always at odds with the hilarious realism of the servant. The ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the extraordinary becomes a lamentation of the tragedy the human mind finds itself when it dares to transform dreams into reality.
"Don Quixote" is no drama in the traditional sense, but rather a comedy that fulfils us with laughter, only to recognise the folly of human existence. In the hilarious adventures, we discover the extreme inequality of medieval Spain between the rich and the poor, between Spanish and Moors, between men and women. And yet, the poor speak the truth, while the rich are mean puppet masters; the Moors show valour and a desire to live peacefully amongst the Spanish; and the women, especially, emerge as powerful decisive actors in charge of their destiny. Considering the society of his time, Cervantes is a true rebel to conformity, and a genuine champion of progressive thinking.
No review can ever prepare a reader for this novel. To enjoy its riches, pick it up and start a most fabulous journey. Cervantes won't disappoint you to the very last word!
The whole story seems to be set in a matter of weeks, even days. Don Quixote is a gentleman of learning, who, enamoured by literature, fancies himself a knight-errant. Quickly he enrols Sancho Panza, a local peasant, into the role of a dedicated squire, and they both set in search of grand adventures. Cervantes takes us on a journey in which the fictional fantasy of the master is always at odds with the hilarious realism of the servant. The ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the extraordinary becomes a lamentation of the tragedy the human mind finds itself when it dares to transform dreams into reality.
"Don Quixote" is no drama in the traditional sense, but rather a comedy that fulfils us with laughter, only to recognise the folly of human existence. In the hilarious adventures, we discover the extreme inequality of medieval Spain between the rich and the poor, between Spanish and Moors, between men and women. And yet, the poor speak the truth, while the rich are mean puppet masters; the Moors show valour and a desire to live peacefully amongst the Spanish; and the women, especially, emerge as powerful decisive actors in charge of their destiny. Considering the society of his time, Cervantes is a true rebel to conformity, and a genuine champion of progressive thinking.
No review can ever prepare a reader for this novel. To enjoy its riches, pick it up and start a most fabulous journey. Cervantes won't disappoint you to the very last word!