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Title: The Queen’s Gambit
Author: Walker Tevis
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 3.75/5
Read this book before viewing the series! But then please watch the show, it’s a personal favorite. I am fully convinced, however, that this book had the potential for 5 stars if I read it without having seen the show.
This novel follows the life of an unexpected chess prodigy, Beth Harmon. She is a girl in the male dominated world of chess while learning to mature with the intensity and pressure that is her life.
I absolutely fell in love with the genius that is Beth Harmon. Her intelligence and ambition is both beautiful and intimidating.
This novel is written with admirable prose, and a elegant tone of intensity. Walker Tevis managed to make the telling of chess moves sound like a thriller. I’d never expected to be so excited to read “Rook takes.” or “Mate in three,” So no worries if you don’t understand the game.
The Queen’s Gambit is so much more than merely a book about a chess player. The themes of insatiability, alcoholism, amd feminism are perfectly implemented without overwhelming the reader. It delineates both the mind of a determined young girl and simply a mad genius who struggles with substance abuse.
Overall, a beautiful novel deserving of a personal recommendation.
I do warn you, the urge to learn chess is unavoidable after finishing The Queen’s Gambit.
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