The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis

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Engaging and fast-paced, this gripping coming-of-age novel of chess, feminism, and addiction speeds to a conclusion as elegant and satisfying as a mate in four. Now an acclaimed Netflix series.

Eight year-old orphan Beth Harmon is quiet, sullen, and by all appearances unremarkable. That is, until she plays her first game of chess. Her senses grow sharper, her thinking clearer, and for the first time in her life she feels herself fully in control. By the age of sixteen, she’s competing for the U.S. Open championship. But as Beth hones her skills on the professional circuit, the stakes get higher, her isolation grows more frightening, and the thought of escape becomes all the more tempting.

The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis

BOOK REVIEW

MY THOUGHTS

What an amazing book!!!

The Queen’s Gambit was one of my most favorite shows of 2020, and it’s the one show I have been recommending nonstop.

And for the first time ever, I can actually say that the TV show is as good as the book. They did a marvelous job following the book faithfully down to the dialogue. And now after I watched the show and listened to the audiobook I can say that the book is as fascinating as the show.

So if you haven’t watched the show yet, and you are conflicted about what to do – watch or read. This time my suggestion is to watch the show. You won’t miss much, since the show is almost word for word taken from the book. And seeing the visuals, the costumes and the gorgeous sets only enhances the experience.

I found this article and just by looking at the photos makes me want to watch it again.

What I loved about the book/show:

• The story! There is no doubt that the story about a woman working her way up in the chess world was FASCINATING!!!
• The actual chess playing – WOW!!! I was enthralled.
• The overall storyline of the main character was compelling. She goes through some major ups and downs throughout the book. And her one track mind when it came to chess, combined with her amazing talent was captivating.
• The originality of the story got me hooked from the beginning.
• And last but not least the supporting characters was superb. Especially all the people she met because of chess and everyone who helped her on her quest to become the best.

So, this book will probably be one of my major book recommendations this year. But, I’m also recommending the show, so in this rare case, you can’t go wrong with either.

POSSIBLE SPOILER

Death of a parent, alcoholism and pills

FOUR AND A HALF STARS

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The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis