Don Quixote

by Miguel de Cervantes, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Don Quixote cover
Good Books rating 4.56
Adventure
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  • ID: 40
  • Added: 2025-08-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781440673016
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1901-01-01
  • Formats: 227
  • Reviews: 4

Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, is a foundational work of Western literature that explores the themes of idealism, reality, and the power of imagination. The novel follows the adventures of Alonso Quixano, a man who reads so many chivalric romances that he loses his mind and decides to become a knight-errant, taking the name Don Quixote. Accompanied by his squire Sancho Panza, Don Quixote sets out on a series of misadventures, mistaking inns for castles and windmills for giants. The novel is renowned for its complex structure, blending comedy, tragedy, and social commentary. /n/n Cervantes' masterpiece is not only a critique of the chivalric romance genre but also a profound exploration of human nature. The interactions between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza provide a rich tapestry of wit, wisdom, and pathos. The novel's influence on literature and culture is immeasurable, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of the novel as an art form.

Reviews
Nick Senger's Book Reviews · Nick Senger · 2025-08-15
delightful 4.00

Don Quixote is a delightfully fun and pleasant read, combining humor and charm that makes it a memorable literary experience.

Nick Senger finds Don Quixote incredibly enjoyable, emphasizing its fun and humor that can make readers either grin or laugh out loud. He appreciates the book’s timeless charm and the way it blends amusement with a lighthearted narrative, making it accessible and entertaining even centuries after its publication.

Quick quotes

    Don Quixote is just about the most pleasant book you will ever read.

    Whether you roll on the floor or just grin, Don Quixote is just plain fun.

    It's just plain fun.

Polyglottist Language Academy · 2025-08-15
innovative 4.50

Don Quixote revolutionized Spanish literature by blending humor, tragedy, and realism with fantasy, pioneering narrative techniques still influential today.

This source praises Cervantes’ innovative narrative style, especially his use of metafiction and complex character development, which broke away from traditional epic and knightly tales. It also highlights the novel’s blend of genres and social commentary, making it a cornerstone in the evolution of Spanish storytelling and a timeless work that offers both entertainment and deep literary insight.

Quick quotes

    Don Quixote was not just a book; it was a revolutionary force, blending humor with tragedy, realism with fantasy, and satire with sincerity.

    The novel openly acknowledges itself as a work of fiction, with characters discussing their own literary status.

    Don Quixote is not a one-dimensional hero, but a deeply flawed and endearing protagonist whose perception of reality evolves.

Biblio.com · 2025-08-15
landmark 4.75

Don Quixote is a pioneering work in world literature, blending multiple narrative layers and offering a playful challenge to readers on what is real and fictional.

This review highlights Don Quixote as the first modern novel, emphasizing its groundbreaking techniques such as metafiction and multiple voices that challenge the concept of reality within storytelling. The novel’s enduring significance is noted through its vast translation history, its status as one of the most printed works, and its profound influence on modern literature, making it essential reading for anyone interested in literary history or narrative innovation.

Quick quotes

    Cervantes plays with different layers of reality and fiction in extraordinary detail.

    Don Quixote has been labeled as the first modern novel, and 400 years after its publication it still remains one of the greatest books ever written.

    It’s one of the first examples of heteroglossia – the inclusion of multiple voices (narrator, characters, and so on), which is a key element for later novels.

Bibliophile Books · 2022-01-01
classic 5.00

The novel is celebrated for its blend of humor, tragedy, and picaresque adventure, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers.

The review highlights Don Quixote as a timeless classic that successfully combines comedy and tragedy through the adventures of its iconic characters. It underscores the novel’s ability to entertain while also provoking thought on themes such as idealism versus reality. The story's picaresque style and memorable characters like Don Quixote and Sancho Panza are seen as central to its lasting appeal, engaging readers across generations and cultures with its rich narrative and philosophical undertones.

Quick quotes

    A timeless classic of Western literature.

    Full of joy, mirth and relevance.

    Iconic picaresque adventures.

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