Tilting At Windmills: a Novel of Cervantes and the Errant Knight [Hardcover]

Julian Branston (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Shaye Areheart Books (1980)
• ASIN: B000N79ZH4
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book!, March 8, 2005

By 

sofia (california) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tilting at Windmills: A Novel of Cervantes and the Errant Knight, 1st Edition (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book, in so many respects. Even before I was drawn into the plot, I was struck by the beautiful language. Elegant, poetic, refined throughout. (Senor Cervantes must be very pleased with Mr Branston's work!) And then, I felt magically transported into 17th century Spain. The book is a dazzling evocation of Cervantes' life and times, a brilliant weave of facts, fiction and farce. One by one, I was introduced to finely portrayed characters, Cervantes himself, the Old Knight, the Duchess, among others. Then there's the incredible sense of humour. Sometimes it's just a little tickle in the background, at other times, I felt like I was in the middle of some 17th century Laurel and Hardy routine. Branston gives us complete mayhem, utter slapstick, in the most deadpan, elegant language possible. Madly funny. It's so deadpan, it's wonderful. But that's not all. A few moments later, Branston moves into a very different direction. There are delicate studies of interiors, of gardens, there are deeply touching psychological observations. Hilarious at times, deeply touching at other times. It feels as though Cervantes is alive again. And it all ends with a most unexpected twist. I loved it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true 5 stars, March 28, 2005

By 

Tigger - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tilting at Windmills: A Novel of Cervantes and the Errant Knight, 1st Edition (Hardcover)

Some books put you to sleep, other ones awaken your most creative thoughts and visions.

I love books like this one that can show me things in a new, unpredictable way. Books that make me think and treat me with respect with their intelligent nature.

This novel is much more than just a "story". It is history, in its own way. And even with its ambitious aim of offering a new interpretation of such great characters, it never lets you down. It never disappoints you. Amusing and poetical, sometimes sad but always light in its wonderful truthful tone full of colors and music.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, March 8, 2005

By 

Clarisse (London, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tilting at Windmills: A Novel of Cervantes and the Errant Knight, 1st Edition (Hardcover)

This book is like a finely woven textile of Julian Branston's poetic outlook; that of a writer who follows the literary of the Old Masters. Every scene and situation in this incredible story is crafted with feeling and filled with joy, so that the reader right from the beginning doesn't want to put the book down. One of those books that I will re-read many times.