Don Quixote

By: Tobias Smollett - translator, Miguel de Cervantes

Narrated by: Robert Whitfield

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

Truly Remarkable

This book is beset with such self-aware witticism that it makes today's comedian/writers look like Sancho Panza. That is, nothing is out of place, every situation serves its purpose, and all of the humor integrates into a single guffaw aimed directly at the heart of existence.
Throw away your face and get ready for a supra-genius.

An excellent translation masterfully read

Extremely well read book that may be a little long for modern tastes. I absolutely adored it.

Unlike The Hunchback of Notre Dame where length and boredom is due to descriptions of things, the length of Don Quixote comes because of the fun Cervantes is having with the reader. Cervantes is an amazing satirist. He skewers every sacred cow of his time and tears his contemporary pulp fiction writers apart.

I loved it. I listen while I exercise. It is a nice engaging book, but not so deep that I have to pause.

Funny, but way too long

As some of the others have said, I feel a little funny criticizing a book with a pedigree such as this one. However it took me a long time to finish this, and by a sheer act of the will.

On one hand, there are some REALLY FUNNY stories in here - stuff that had me laughing and chuckling on the way to work. Both of the characters just get better as the book goes one.

On the other hand, the book goes on - and on - and on -and on. It would have been much more effective if it was about half as long.

Once again, this is just my opinion. It is worth reading, for the literary background, but make sure you have a strong constitution.

Regarding the narrator - I thought he was excellent. Yes he does have British accent (in a Spanish Novel), Yes - he doesn't scream and yell in the battle scenes, but the voices are just great (especially Sancho Panza). There are a few mispronounced words throughout (Castillian and Marquis) however, I applaud the narrator for having the stamina to perform a work of this length so well - BRAVO!

The classic struggle to live a life of meaning

At one level it is the comical story of the misadventures of a man with a poor grip on reality. At a deeper level it is the story of a man striving to live a life of meaning struggling with the reality of the oppressive world that keeps him from doing so. Cervantes work stands the test of time and deserves its place in the list of most important and loved novels of all time.

Wish I hadn't seen Man of La Mancha before I read

What did you love best about Don Quixote?

The adventures and the humor. I was running during the (Spoiler!) scene when Quejada drank the tonic and threw up in Sancho's mouth. Had to stop because I was laughing so hard at the very calm, literary way Cervantes handled the situation. Loved the absurdity and how folks continuously exploited the protagonist for their own benefit. His naivete became absolutely lovable.

Would you recommend Don Quixote to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, though many of them would give up because of the sheer length of the thing.

Have you listened to any of Robert Whitfield’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No way. Didn't have a week to spend.

Any additional comments?

The ending was disappointing, because I wanted it to be like Man of La Mancha. In retrospect, however, the ending was fitting to what Don Quixote had endured. Reasonable at last--cured of adventure. Sad, but pretty darned good ending.