Don Quixote's Delusions: Travels in Castilian Spain

Miranda France achieves an elusive task in this travel narrative. She blends a keen cultural analytic eye with an awareness of the history of a great work of literature and with her own present-day experience. The result is a work which provides a unique and vital insight into the evolution of Spanish society in the last two decades of the twentieth century, from an outsider's point of view. The author also travels adroitly between commentary on sweeping cultural narratives and the gritty everyday reality of the younger generation. It's a necessary read for anyone interested in knowing more about the quixotic character that is proudly embraced by many Spaniards and the evolution of contemporary reality in the post-fascist democratic era.

Spain comes alive, Don Quixote is presented as seen by many, a madman, a hero, a symbol and the personality of a nation. The writing is wonderful, readable and humorous! Cervantes and his "friends" tell so much more than a story. The book is packed with insights so deserving of a modern review of Cervantes/Qioxte, the first novel - Don Qioxte has been translated extensively and read by every memorable author. Thanks Miranda France!