A review by bibliophilelinda
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

5.0

Who couldn't love a story with: loveably dillusional characters who have the most outrageous adventures; pokes fun at the Catholic Church and 17th century society; is written like a Greek epic; and is alternately hilarious and melancoly? This is the story of Alonso Quixano, an elderly gentleman who is obsessed with stories of chivarly. Eventually his passion for stories of adventure turns into a madness of sorts whereby he believes himself to be a knight errant, calling himself Don Quixote de la Mancha. Sancho Panza, a local countryman, becomes his squire and they set off in order to protect the weak and suffering and punish wrongdoers. However, Don Quixotes perceptions of the world around him are often clouded by his fervent desire to live in a world like his favorite stories. His adventures are either misguided by his dillusions or are the cunning enactments of people around him who enjoy witnessing his madness. While in the beginning Sancho is constantly trying to point out his masters misconceptions (using the most astounding proverbs), in the end roles reverse and it is Sancho who ends up believing in enchantments and wizards and fair maidens. Alternatively, Don Quixote, wearied of the world, regains his lucidity but ends up meeting his demise. Once experienced, it becomes clear to the reader why Don Quixote remains one of the most influencial pieces of literature ever written.