Stephen answers “Is this book worth reading? Can anyone...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Don Quixote:

Is this book worth reading? Can anyone recommend any other Spanish literature? Thank you, it would be much appreciated!

Stephen If you're just starting in Spanish literature, I would save Don Quixote for later down the road. It can hardly be said to grab and hold your attention…moreIf you're just starting in Spanish literature, I would save Don Quixote for later down the road. It can hardly be said to grab and hold your attention throughout its hefty length but is eventually worth the read. It takes a bit of historical context to fully enjoy Cervantes and the satire that he plays with throughout the story, so having a background on the history of Spain and Golden Age authors is needed if you really want to appreciate the work. And only read the translation by Edith Grossman! (Unless in the original Spanish, of course)
When it comes to other authors, I prefer Spanish authors from the Americas and would recommend nineteenth- and twentieth-century authors like: Horacio Quiroga, Juan Rulfo, Jorge Luis Borges, Jose Maria Arguedas, Rosario Castellanos, and Elena Poniatowska. Happy Reading!(less)

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