The story is presented as a historical account of a 50-year-old man named Alonso Quijano, who hails from a small village and belongs to the minor nobility. After immersing himself in countless books on knights and chivalry, he loses his sanity and sets out to become one himself. Initially, I viewed the book as a comedy, and while it certainly possesses comedic elements, it goes far beyond that.

The intertwined tales of the people he encounters along his journey are captivating, and my personal favorite character is Sancho Panza, a farmer who Don Quixote convinces to join him as his loyal squire, promising him an island to govern in the future.

The world in which the book is set is utterly fascinating. The majority of characters surrounding the Knight are ordinary people, responding to the madman’s actions with a mixture of humor, astonishment, or even hostility. Additionally, there are numerous intricate side stories from fascinating characters encountered along the way. As Don Quixote and his trusty squire engage in countless adventures, ranging from tilting at windmills (which our hero perceives as giants under an enchantment) to liberating prisoners and aiding every person they come across, they unwittingly gain fame for their misadventures—all in the name of Don Quixote’s beloved, the oblivious “Dulcinea del Toboso.”

This book is brimming with engrossing and captivating stories revolving around the main protagonist and the people he interacts with. It is exceptionally well-written and offers an intriguing read where nothing unfolds as expected. I found it more fascinating than entertaining, although it can be a bit of a challenge to get through at times. Nevertheless, it is a rewarding book that unquestionably deserves its place on the list. It made me reflect deeply, and glimpsing a snapshot of our world from so long ago is undeniably captivating.