Don Quixote

I realize that this is a tough book to get through, but be assured that you will be rewarded if you stay with it. It is quite dense, but the beauty of this piece is at least as much in its richness of language as it is in the actual adventures. In fact, the encounters with windmills, and the likes, weren't that funny in my opinion. It is the human interactions that had me laughing out loud more times than I could count. Great book and a difinite masterpiece of literature. Cervantes' style and originality is truly impressive.

As far as the narration goes, I can see why some people don't like it, but I really grew to love it. The narrator does a fantastic job acting out the characters, adding color to the experience.

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and will miss it when I have finished. The reader does take some getting use to; however, he has to perform several characters and maintain their voice through 30 plus hours. I especially like the voices used for both Don Quioxote's and Sancho Panza his squire. This is a master piece. Remember this story appeared in the 1600. I am amazed how many of the tales can be applied to people's behavior and reactions of the day. I am also amazed at the number of cliches and I often wonder if these were the first printing of something like "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" or if in translation, this cliche was updated into a common english version. This is not for the faint hearted listener, and does take some getting used to. I listen about an hour a day, going to and from work. Takes my mind off of my day, and reflect on what will be next adventure of Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho Panza.

I was very much looking forward to listening to this classic, but was compelled to stop after the first 5-hour segment. The narrator’s portrayal of the famous knight grated upon my nerves and did not make for an enjoyable diversion. It’s on this basis alone that I give a low-score for the rating.

WHY use an Englishman for a Spaniard's voice? I did not even get through an hour of this one. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY unless the narrators voice does not matter.

Dox Quixote is the book that answers the question "what book would you take if stranded on an island". It is a masterpiece of literature, one of the last great epics.