Old Books, New Readers discussion

June BOTM Discussion thread for Book Two of Don Quixote by Cervantes. I included the Chapter names below in the spoilers as I imagine everyone may have a different translation or edition.

Book Two Schedule

June 5 - 11
Prologue to Chapter 22
(view spoiler)[
CH22 - Which recounts the great adventure of the Cave of Monstesinos that lies in the heart of La Mancha (hide spoiler)]

June 12 - 18
Chapter 23 to Chapter 39
(view spoiler)[
CH 23 - Regarding the remarkable things that the great Don Quixote said he was in the depths of the Cave of Monstesinos
CH 39 - In which the Countess Trifaldi continues her stupendous and memorable history (hide spoiler)]

June 19 - 25
Chapter 40 to Chapter 57
(view spoiler)[
CH40 - Regarding the matter that concern and pertain to this adventure and his memorable history
CH 57 - Which recounts how Don Quixote took his leave of the duke (hide spoiler)]

June 26 - 30
Chapter 58 to End of Book Two
(view spoiler)[
CH58 - Which recounts how so many adventures rained down on Don Quixote that there was hardly room for all of them (hide spoiler)]

I have got Rutherford's translation and it has 74 chapters in volume 2. 52 in volume 1.

I read the lot in one complete book compiling the two. Since I read it twice (lately) I did read it from two different translators. I was 8 the first time I read it, so it was nice to read it as an adult and understand it more. Hope you all enjoy it and look forward to meeting up in July on a new book!

I'm so excited that we are going to read it for May and June
It's been a long time I wanted to read it but didn't start.

Nidhi wrote: "I have got Rutherford's translation and it has 74 chapters in volume 2. 52 in volume 1."

I wrote the chapters titles in the spoiler should get you a sense of where to read up to. If it is still confusing, I can see if I can find the same edition to make a separate schedule.

Does anyone need extra time? I can make a poll to see, but I figured I should ask here first.

I finished a few weeks ago and enjoyed it more than I thought I would since I gave up trying to read it last year.

Elizabeth wrote: "Does anyone need extra time? I can make a poll to see, but I figured I should ask here first."

Would be appreciated - Life here has been all upended for various reaons.

I'm a little ahead of schedule and should complete on time or before.
It has been a slow go for me also so I could understand needing more time. Whatever you decide is cool with me but I personally wont need additional time. Thank you Elizabeth for what you do here.

I’m just about to finish part 1 so I definitely need more time. However if most people are done, I’m ok with moving on too. I can just join the discussion a little late.

If we do pick a new book for next month though, can it be a short one? Like a classic novella. :)

I am behind, so I would be good with another month.

I have settled on rereading just Book 1 this year. All done. I am on phone. I will link my review tonight or tomorrow.

I always am reluctant to give a classic as famous as this less than a perfect review but sometimes no matter how important the book is it just doesn't click the way it does with others. It was an adventure story with no real ending and no climax to me. A constant menu of short adventures meant to be funny but also very sad and cruel .
It could have been better for me if he ended it with the first book and had a conclusion or some kind of obvious meaning to the story. Instead he came back with book two just to counter act the forgery stories that came out because he left it open to them.
A big commitment for not a lot of reward.

I have read different versions of Don Quixote at different times. Since joining Goodreads, I have read two versions, both reviews linked here, together


my reviews

I also read a companion book Quixote: The Novel and the World by Ilan Stavans

my review

My readings lead me to strive for an understanding of hispandidad and the quixotic. Huge things in hispanic worldview.

Phew! I finally finished this after 5 months!

I agree with Larry on this - it seemed to be just a collection of misadventures without any greater point to the story. I generally liked it, but it was way too long (for my reading speed 😀).

Ian