amsully's review against another edition
1.0
I forgot to update this book but I've finally finished reading this. I understand the importance of the tropes and the impact of the story had at the time but, I'm not a fan.
ayavandenbussche's review against another edition
5.0
Don Quixote is my all time favourite book and I have come to a decision this time around that I need to read this book once every few years, even if it means I may have to miss on other books.
This time I was listening to the audio version on audible, read quite beautifully by Roy McMillan. Unfortunately and here is the slight issue I may have with Audible, this version does not include the very important prologue and dedication letter that are at the beginning of the second book of Don Quixote. It's a real shame as they are vital to the story and the story behind it has been incorporated into the book.
Don Quixote is not only presumed to be one of the first modern/western novels, it is also the first novel to have a fan fiction, only it was more like an angry fan fiction that criticises and insults Cervantes, from someone who was a fan of one of his rivals.This fake second book was published a few months before the real one was. Cervantes refers to this fake second part of Don Quixote in his prologue, but there are also many allusions and references to it and its writer within the second book. I think it's a real lack of audible to omit these from the audio version.
There are many interpretations and many ways to read and understand Don Quixote. I'm sure many books and many academic hours were dedicated to this book and its author. To me it is many things, but most of all it is the story of stories and storytellers and it's beautiful and moving and inspiring. It is political, it is social, it's about friendship, it's ahead of its time and I never laughed and cried so much at a book. I don't think I can eloquently explain how brilliant this book is, I suggest you read it Cervantes has all the words.
This time I was listening to the audio version on audible, read quite beautifully by Roy McMillan. Unfortunately and here is the slight issue I may have with Audible, this version does not include the very important prologue and dedication letter that are at the beginning of the second book of Don Quixote. It's a real shame as they are vital to the story and the story behind it has been incorporated into the book.
Don Quixote is not only presumed to be one of the first modern/western novels, it is also the first novel to have a fan fiction, only it was more like an angry fan fiction that criticises and insults Cervantes, from someone who was a fan of one of his rivals.This fake second book was published a few months before the real one was. Cervantes refers to this fake second part of Don Quixote in his prologue, but there are also many allusions and references to it and its writer within the second book. I think it's a real lack of audible to omit these from the audio version.
There are many interpretations and many ways to read and understand Don Quixote. I'm sure many books and many academic hours were dedicated to this book and its author. To me it is many things, but most of all it is the story of stories and storytellers and it's beautiful and moving and inspiring. It is political, it is social, it's about friendship, it's ahead of its time and I never laughed and cried so much at a book. I don't think I can eloquently explain how brilliant this book is, I suggest you read it Cervantes has all the words.
nikolastoti's review against another edition
Truly an epic book, definitely a unique experience and truly a wild adventure. This is the spanish "odyssey" with a really unexpected ending (if you havent been spoiled, I wasnt).
Would definitely recommend for someone who enjoys classics
Would definitely recommend for someone who enjoys classics
seanml's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A man with visions of grandeur, after reading fictional stories about lone vigilantes, convinces himself that he too is a freedom fighter. In doing so, he goes out into the world, killing and proclaiming his righteousness, and shifting any narrative to make it so that he is the true hero. No, it is not the modern midwestern USA, it is Don Quixote. Which actually was a wonderful book, and I can understand why something so modern-feeling despite being 400 years old is considered the first modern novel. Somehow a story that is 1000 pages long didn't drag, and going into very long classics such as this you run such a risk. Filled with strange melodramatic stories, wonderful varied characters, and good nature, I highly recommend it. Oh yeah, except all the rampant Islamophobia, but I guess that's to be expected. 9/10.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Mental illness, Islamophobia, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Injury/injury detail, Murder, and Death
Minor: Infidelity and Adult/minor relationship
honest_age's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
keithlafountaine's review against another edition
4.0
As with many staples of classic literature, I wasn't entirely sure what to make of Don Quixote before I read the first page. I braced myself for flowery, poetic, and consistently obtuse prose. I braced myself for needless pontificating.
And sure, there is some of that. However, what I was surprised by was how funny this book is -- even now, more than 400 years since its original publication. It's also remarkably accessible. Some of that, I'm sure, is due to Edith Grossman's translation for this edition, but the story itself doesn't fall down unnecessary rabbit holes, as I often find classic literature does. That's not to say there aren't moments of, dare I say, plodding repetition. Despite my enjoyment of the meta nature of their inclusion, I found the discussions about literature to be, well, repetitive.
But as a whole, it's easy to see why Don Quixote is heralded as one of the most impressive books to be published. It's an adventure at its core, with a ton of unique and odd characters (led, of course, by the strangest of them all, that titular knight errant).
And sure, there is some of that. However, what I was surprised by was how funny this book is -- even now, more than 400 years since its original publication. It's also remarkably accessible. Some of that, I'm sure, is due to Edith Grossman's translation for this edition, but the story itself doesn't fall down unnecessary rabbit holes, as I often find classic literature does. That's not to say there aren't moments of, dare I say, plodding repetition. Despite my enjoyment of the meta nature of their inclusion, I found the discussions about literature to be, well, repetitive.
But as a whole, it's easy to see why Don Quixote is heralded as one of the most impressive books to be published. It's an adventure at its core, with a ton of unique and odd characters (led, of course, by the strangest of them all, that titular knight errant).
inadmire's review against another edition
3.0
Hmm, I guess this is one of the brief examples of toxic positivity; “Worry not, it’s not that bad” when you are dying. I like the “yeah that’s cool, but I will kill you anyway” attitude. Also, he shows that madness and intelligence are close. Also, he is a simp.
sue_page158books's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
So glad we read this. I know why it is so many people’s favorite book.
stinamoore1971's review
3.0
A challenging read due to the translation from Spanish and the age of the book. Took quite a bit of concentration to determine what was occurring in the story. However was laugh out loud funny in some chapters because Don Quixote is such a bumbling idiot.