I began my reading year 2014 with Roberto Bolano's It didn't bode well for me. I read only the first three parts, about halfway, before laying it down. (As I did with The Savage Detectives in 2012.) It's therefore ironic that I am beginning my reading for 2015 with another book of Spanish translation: Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. I am relying on Richard to accompany me on this path, for it is his invitation which I have accepted, and I wonder how well I'd fare alone.
But, Don Quixote has been on my Classics Club list since I first formed it three years ago. The art alone which this novel has inspired is quite thrilling. Above is a painting by Salvador Dali; below is a painting by Honore Daumier.
Harold Bloom calls Don Quixote the Spanish Bible, and says "it stands for ever as the birth of the novel out of the prose romance, and is still the best of all novels." The best? Ever?
Don Quixote is a man I've heard about my whole life, how could I not discover him through the novel first hand? And so, I'm venturing forth into his world and hope to experience this masterpiece with great appreciation in January. I know Richard would welcome you to join us as well.
