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Don Quixote

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Don Quixote

By: Tobias Smollett - translator, Miguel de Cervantes
Narrated by: Robert Whitfield
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About this listen

 Don Quixote is one of the world's first novels and by far the best-known book in Spanish literature, was originally intended by Cervantes as a satire on traditional popular ballads, yet he also parodied the romances of chivalry. By happy coincidence he produced one of the most entertaining adventure stories of all time and, in Don Quixote and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, two of the greatest characters in fiction.(P)1998 Blackstone Audiobooks Classics Witty
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It does go on and on a bit but I feel better for having persevered. It is like Hamlet in its vastness.

Brilliant

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Part 2 brings it all together in a fantasticly unexpected way that you can't help falling in love with the pure genius of this story on so, so many levels! ❤

💯 #1 BEST book of all classics I've experienced!

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Ostensibly a comedic parody of chivalric tales which recounts the escapades of a delusional fool and his loyal lackey, Don Quixote is a masterful ode to individualism, the power of imagination, and the spirit of adventure.

Importantly, the tale feels humble and believable. While Don Quixote might perceive windmills as giants, wine as the blood of his enemies, and flocks of sheep as rival armies; the reader can always discern the explicable reality that its protagonist cannot – nothing ever truly happens that is too outlandish. At its best, this contrast prompts a reader to reflect on how their own imaginations can transform the mundane into the extraordinary.

While we might laugh at Don Quixote, we can also recognise that he perceives himself to be triumphant and heroic in his own world, and (largely) happy in ours; we therefore come to root for him. While the whole cast is consistently (and successfully) played for laughs, all characters are layered and ultimately endearing. Amidst the whimsical chaos and delusions of grandeur, there are real poignant moments of wisdom and sobriety within Don Quixote, which hit all the harder when they arise from characters we might at first dismiss.

Some may find the story repetitive and bloated, but I consider it to be an episodic tale that explores the full breadth of its premise, with recurring motifs to comfort the reader and drive its themes home. By its end, I felt familiar with the characters and world, but satisfied.

For a story so old as it is, it is surprisingly meta. Those meta elements shine light on a range of matters, from the Spanish inquisition, to intellectual property and plagiarism, to the veracity of legend. It also provides pertinent commentary on love, gender, and religious tolerance, which remain relevant today.

A new favourite. Highly recommend.

An ode to imagination and the spirit of adventure

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Loved this. The reader's efforts at voicing these classic characters was a joy & allowed me to hear the surprising cleverness of the writing.

Brilliant narration.

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Loved both parts; the first an innocent story of a mad man running alongside stories from various characters. The second part gets very meta when referencing the first book and second unofficial writing. Very interesting and an easy listen!

An epic journey

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