Don Quixote

Although I have a dread of dusty old fiction, curiousness overcame caution and I downloaded this book. I am very glad that I did. Not only is the story itself bewitching, the narration is outstanding. This is the only audio book which I have listened to a second time for the pure pleasure of it. A true comic masterpiece, peppered with wit, wisdom, foolishness and absurdity in perfect balance. Roy McMillan's pace and intonation are perfect for the tale too.

If you are even considering listening to this book, or worried about the length, I can honestly say to go for it, this has been a hugely enjoyable experience. As with any audio book, the narration can make a massive difference to the enjoyment of the book, here Roy McMillan is at his best, I know feel like I really know Don Quiote and Sancho Panza and they have living voices in my head and every time I now think back to the book there is always some new adventure I remember the duo went on. Don't get my wrong, this is a LONG book (perhaps the better value for it) and I felt slightly weary around the 20 hour mark knowing how long I had to go. However, after experiencing their lives together for 35 hours I felt a real sadness at it coming to a conclusion and didn't want it to end. I feel this above all is testament to the enjoyment I found in the novel and in the narration. I would recommend this to anyone, the characters are engaging and the reading excellent. 5*'s

My readings of Don Quixote were patchy and, as a curious storyteller, I wanted to fill in the gaps.I couldn't have done better than choose this audiobook. Don Quixote, his head filled with idealism and fantasy from reading too many books on chivalry, is accompanied on his adventures by Sancho Panza, stolid and down to earth, a marvellous comic partnership, Roy McMillan is a jaunty,affectionate narrator who brings the characters, farce, enchantments, combats, wounds, courtships torments and foolishnesses to life. There are nevertheless repetitions and slownesses, especially in the early stages, but when the story is so well narrated that is forgiven .The seemingly endless string of episodes becomes addictive. It is like The Canterbury Tales or The Arabian Nights. The second half of the book really takes off with one rollicking encounter after another and I found it hard to press pause.

When I started listening to this book I regretted getting it straight away. I found it hard to get into, but eventually I realised how good it was; and now I've listened to it a couple of times.

Excellent narration brings this epic tale to life. I really enjoyed the flair and verve with which the book was read.