Don Quixote

Translated by Edith Grossman

By: Edith Grossman - translator, Miguel de Cervantes

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 39 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Don Quixote is the classic story. Called the first modern novel, this marvelous book has stood the test of time to become irrevocably intertwined with the fabric of society. Sixteenth-century Spanish gentleman Don Quixote, fed by his own delusional fantasies, takes to the road in search of chivalrous adventures. But his quest leads to more trouble than triumph. At once humorous, romantic, and sad, Don Quixote is a literary landmark. This fresh edition, by award-winning translator Edith Grossman, brings the tale to life as never before.

©2003 Edith Grossman (translation) (P)2003 Recorded Books

Surprisingly Fun!

Any additional comments?

 
Potential listeners should not be discouraged by the considerable length of the work.  It turns out to be far more exciting that one could expect.  The key is that the novel should not be considered at face value but as a parody of chivalric romances that apparently abounded in Cervantes' days.  Thus, the reader discovers that a major theme of the work is the contrast, or rather the unfathomable gap, between literature and reality.

The work actually includes two separate books. The second written some time after the first was published includes many ironic comments on the latter.  There are many funny moments throughout, as when Don Quixote meets for the first time another character claiming to be a knight errant ... who has defeated the famous Don Quixote.  The description of the actual Dulcinea Del Toboso is also memorable.

It must be underscored that the excellent translation is very lively and includes a variety of styles and forms, apparently as in the original.

This work is consequently very highly recommended.

Great overall, but with some tedious bits

Very worthwhile. The book is all these things: funny, satirical, poignant, tragic, philosophical, profound, repetitious, and sometimes a bit tedious. The narrator is good, especially the way he does Sancho Panza, although there's not too much variation in the other voices. The obsession with women keeping their virginity, and the way moors (who are muslim) are sometimes discussed, can be tedious. But the whole book is rich in observations and reflections.

Amazing Translation, Extraordinary Performance

Any additional comments?

This is a superlative performance, thanks to George Guidall's unforgettable interpretation. I can't remember when I've had more fun. Don't be dismayed by the opening chapters, which are a challenging. Once Don Quixote and Sancho Panza hit the road, every scene is a delight. The characters are sharply drawn, the wit is sly and sophisticated, and the social commentary is relevant even today. Though I don't speak Spanish, I can't imagine a better translation. This is a book with a giant heart. You'll smile all the way through. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

So ridiculous, but worth sticking it out.

I had to listen to the first book and take a break, then come back a month later and finish it. It's really worth reading, but hard to hold your interest for so long.

a classic

the best literary fiction ever written. A must read for any person on earth. I hope I reach twenty words soon

Memorizing Narration

How did I miss this in my 55 years of life? This is the novel that started all novels, I found it very entertaining and amusing. I know it is long but it will pay off with many enjoyable hours of listening pleasure.

Listen to a classic and find out for yourself why this book is so important.

Spain need offer no more to the world

Would you listen to Don Quixote again? Why?

I re-listened immediately

What did you like best about this story?

The narrator was exceptional. It would have been difficult to replicate in my mind the hilarity that he brought out of each episode or exchange.

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to pick just one. Sancho in the blanket and the numerous recollections; the heavy blows, bruised ribs, missing molars; I liked the whole damn thing.

Any additional comments?

George Guidall and Edith Grossman have done a service to humanity with this work.

Great, but very long winded.

Some of the best word smithing you will ever find within any book ever made. However, it is unnecessarily long. Which, I imagine, is the purpose of this book itself, and truly what makes it stand apart. I both wanted to finish the book as much as I wanted to quit the book. A hard combo to create.

wonderful translation

great performance, translation is much improved over previous versions and I prefer the use of real currencies rather than "dollars" as used in some to make things simple unnecessarily

This is a wonderful book! Excellent narration!

I read it two or three times already. I've recently been studying Islam and Islam is part of Spanish history so it was interesting to hear Islam and some of its historical characters parsed in through the story