I had been so excited to read this book for over a year. I found this classic at my local library's book sale about that time and before I had the chance to read it, I had to pack for what I thought was a bigger move than we had. In that process, most of my books went to storage where this one remained since. By happy circumstances, I was able to retrieve the box and finally read this book on my TBR. I am heartily disappointed that I did not like this so much. I wanted it to be over at the 20% mark. 

I genuinely wanted to enjoy it, I read Le Morte De Arthur which is a much thicker and more challenging book in contrast to this but I loved it and thought that would extend to this one too. But I was not invested. 

I enjoy the themes and creativity in this book, and I love the messages of illusion, reality, the romanticism of the past and if certain things are better left there, humanities complex nature, friendship, self-discovery and character growth, and even how different classes interact with Don Quixote's ideals. I think that's fabulous, and add some humor to the story and it's great. And I enjoyed the final message in the book and the first chapter getting into the enchantment of it. 

But as I read and the story became more tragic and less funny it became akin to watching "funny videos" that are not funny because people could get seriously hurt. Then progressively wishing the cameraman would stop filming, actually help them, and call someone for medical attention and not take the time to laugh and post first. But it's funny despite the drama because it's unexpected not knowing what he will do next. Is what it is supposed to be anyway.
It was painful to watch a disillusioned man who I wanted to root for do what he thought was right get bullied, abused, suffer trauma, and ridiculed beyond the physical pains he constantly gained, and only get worse. I didn't want to hear that and the comedy only rubbed salt to the wounds of the story. It was hard to get past that and try to see the story with a less narrow frame of view as I intended to enjoy a book. But it was too long, and too painful for me to personally enjoy as a pleasure read. It's a classic for a reason and demonstrates it's themes I support well. 
I simply can't recommend it based on my experience or want to pick it up again. Sadly not worth the wait or the time I invested into it.