I have never read this story but heard many great things… I never picked up the book because it never really caught my attention or didn’t think it was that special, despite all of the positive reviews for it.
I picked this review by Rachel, who has a book blog called Kalanadi. She is a total book worm (just like me), who loves reading mainly about science fiction and fantasy (like me but I have been branching out from those two genres). Besides reading, she loves baking (documenting her food adventures as well), knitting, solving puzzles, and hanging out with her dog. She is definitely what you call a homebody meaning she is more introverted and likes being indoors most of the time. This what I found out based on her instagram page which I stalked. I was really intrigued that she was branching out of her comfort zone which is why I chose her take on Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes.
Don Quixote is so influential and uses so many literary tricks that has never been done before! Basically, he introduced new techniques into literature as a whole. This means that modern readers (like myself) may not see how Cervantes created a book so unique, ingenious, and different because many of the books toady use these literary devices. Based on Rachel’s truth I realized that she is so right! I want to read this Don Quixote even more so that I can see how Cervantes has influenced modern literature. The three specific literary devices… intertextuality story shaped by illusions and chivalric romances. The second literary device is metafiction. I didn’t know what that was until she explained it. The book is mentioned in the story! Somehow the author brought characters who already read the first part and know Don Quixote and try to mess with him. The third is metatheatre which combines comedy and tragedy. I agree with Rachel, with modern readers we resonate so much with the main character so I would also feel bad for Don Quixote instead of laugh at him. This story took a dark turn and the other characters made Don Quixote do things. Made the story more intriguing.
I love that she keeps it real and says that he makes fun of the chivalric romance which ends up becoming inspiration for Shrek. Who knew Shrek was inspired by Don Quixote? Not me.
This has also inspired me to read more historical fiction as well.