Student Book Review:


Don Quixote

- classic

by: Miguel De Cervantes


Review done by:

 Peter Roberge
Grade 7
Van Antwerp Middle School
Niskayuna, NY

Don Quixote is an enchanting book about an insane man who wanders the land of Spain in search of adventure and conquest. Don in the beginning of the book is somewhat shy, but very respected. All of the people in his town look up to him as both a noble and a gentleman. And yet, he hides a strange secret. In his spare time, he reads many, many books on chivalry and of the great knights of Spain. After reading these books, he often gets up to enact the plot of the story. Soon, his state of mental health deteriorates, and his feeble mind turns from one of greatness, to that of a rambling, delusional man. He begins too lose concept with reality and is then lost in a realm of knighthood and princesses. Don decides to leave the house and ride off in search of a greater cause.
As he rides, he soon comes upon a man named Sancho Pancha. Don decides that this man will be his noble squire, because at this point Don is completely lost in his fantasy world of knights, and he believes himself to be the noblest. Don promises him riches beyond his wildest dreams and that when Don has won an island with his conquests, he will make Sancho the governor. Sancho, being of small intelligence accepts, and leaves his farm, family, and life behind to follow the mind of someone who is mentally unbalanced. This point in the book I found especially interesting because it shows the stupidity of some men, and that usually if you promise someone something great, you will be able to lead them around like a servant.
Throughout the book, Sancho and Don are plagued by disasters, such as thieves who come at night to steal all of their belongings. They also encounter many people who badger them about their delusions. Overall, I thought this book was a delight to read and I found the describing outstanding. I would definitely recommend that you read this book, if you are very into reading and are looking for a challenge, at 1,124 pages you might want to decide in your head whether or not you are up to the challenge. But, if you are you are in for a treat. Combining tomfoolery with insanity and drama, Don Quixote is a wonderful book, definitely pick it up if you get the chance.
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