Don Quixote Book Club

Starts Sunday March 1 at 3:00 PM

at 1166 Glen Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577

drjeffneil@gmail.com

I have taught this book many times in an academic setting, but probably never led discussion the way it should be: as an experiential romp through a profound life crisis, full of opportunities for the reader’s transformation through writing exercises, contemplation, and imaginative adaptations. Whereas Dante’s midlife crisis takes a more cosmic, theological shape, Cervantes’ literature of crisis is decidedly psychological and worldly. His imaginary knight has a crisis that comes out of a life unfulfilled, prompting a flight into fantasy, new friendships, and intellectual growth on the open road.

This book club is for anybody who has an interest, and no prior knowledge is needed. We will take in the Renaissance literary world, Baroque art and architecture, the history of Spain and the Mediterranean world, and the topography, landmarks, and towns on Don Quixote’s journey.

Participants who have a particular interest in any of these areas should feel free to share their knowledge or make informal presentations. We will also have more reflection and writing exercises than last time.

There are 126 chapters total. At a decent, but not overwhelming clip, of eight chapters a week, we will be done with the entire masterpiece in four months, but those who only want to read the first book will be able to do so in seven meetings. I encourage everybody to buy Edith Grossman’s translation, so we can read from the same pages when we discuss. If you happen to be able to read in Spanish, I would strongly recommend the Castalia or Cátedra editions in addition to Grossman's translation.

I have spent a lot of time on this text. I started studying it with Manuel Durán and Roberto González Echevarría as an undergraduate. I wrote my senior thesis on Cervantes’ Exemplary Novels. A chapter from my first MA thesis was also dedicated to Cervantes. Half of my doctoral dissertation was on Cervantes, and I was lucky to be supervised by the Cervantes luminary, Anthony Cascardi. I have taught Don Quixote about a dozen times at UC Berkeley and UC Davis. Nevertheless, the novel always seems new to me, and there is always so much left to discover.