by: Nabila Rhapsodios
PRODUCT INFO
Title: The Queen's Gambit
Author(s): Walter Tevis
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Language: English
Year Published: 2020
Page(s) Number: 246
PROLOGUE
Walter Tevis & The Queen's Gambit's 1983 cover
I have to thank Netflix for this; it was Netflix that led me to buy this book. Based on that, I bought a copy of The Queen’s Gambit for myself as a stocking filler for “what you are reading now?” and to answer questions that still linger in my mind after watching all the show episodes, because the show did not provide adequate answers. To the point that this book seemed to whisper to me and badgered me to read it as a means to enhance my enjoyment of a story I already knew. So I did.
This book, written by Walter Tevis and first published in 1983, offers a delightfully fun coming-of-age story that engages young women in Beth Harmon's trials and tribulations as an adolescent girl and in her success in chess, a field that was, over 40 years ago, and still dominated by men in the present day. This book is also the sad story of a lonely young girl who’s blessed with an outstanding skill, almost surely inherited from her mother, a PhD in Mathematics, who died tragically, leading to Beth’s being sent to Methuen Home for Girls. She develops an interest in chess and receives an early tutorial from the custodian of Methuen Home for Girls. Later in the book, the story examines Beth’s career from a young chess prodigy who wins the first tournament she enters, through to the conclusion of her dramatic trip to Soviet Russia, where she competes against Russian Grandmaster and the number one in the list of Top Chess Players in the World, Vasily Borgov.
MY IMPRESSION
For me, The Queen’s Gambit is one of the best books I’ve read in ages. This book is so good. I found only one flaw or unsatisfactory aspect in this book. This book is great because, even though I've never really liked chess, it's managed to hook me into reading it, which delves deeper into the world of chess. The author cleverly uses a bunch of technical jargon to explain the individual moves that made up each game, but I never got bored. The moments of tension and relief as Beth played each move were brilliantly written, and I was totally taken in. The Netflix version is also great, thanks to the remarkable cast, because it's helped me get through the episodes of the chess show. Both the book and the Netflix adaptation successfully address the challenge of explaining chess to readers and viewers. Not everyone who reads or watches it will know a huge amount about chess, but I surely believe anyone can enjoy the book and the Netflix version because even without an understanding of the chess game and tournament, anyone will be on the edge of their own seat, or more or less understand who’s winning or losing.
What sets The Queen’s Gambit apart is its subtle yet powerful intensity, delving deeply into themes of growth and addiction. The novel’s honest portrayal of Beth’s struggles with addiction, alcoholism, and mental health is striking. The book tells you how addiction and alcohol are insidious and creeping up on her slowly. Her emotional distance, forged in childhood, is offset by the fierce resilience she discovers through chess. Despite this, Beth is a relatable character, and she never once felt defined by her gender, aside from when society pointed it out in the story. She wasn’t compelled to be overly smiley to men or anyone when she didn’t feel the urge to be, and Beth was mostly interested in herself as a player or opponent.
Aside from a slightly hurried ending, this book is a triumph. Its vivid portrayals of growth, sex, addiction, alcohol, money, and, of course, chess, made every page a pleasure. If you’ve watched the Netflix adaptation, I urge you to dive into the novel—you’ll discover so much more, even though the show remains true to its roots. For me, the book earns a perfect 10, while the series shines with a solid five stars.
-END-
*Disclaimer: Courtesy of Google Images. The material published on this website is intended solely for general information and reference purposes and is not legal advice or other professional advice.
Comments
Post a Comment