Reviews with content warning for Addiction - Gambito de dama

I still know nothing about chess besides the Sicilian. Do I know how to pronounce it or what it is besides an opening? Nope. The book was still entertaining even though the tone and the chess aspect could bore half-interested readers. It is a good book that explores addiction but it wasn’t the most entertaining book I’ve read.

I’m still confused about Beth/Benny though. Because at the end of the book she’s 19. But when she first met Benny at the US openings she was about 15 and Benny 25. I’m not exactly sure what the precise age is since I read it quickly (and the show changed the age for some reason) but… I don’t like it. Or Benny to be honest. Why did Beth want to sleep with him? He seems like the least interesting person to do so, she even said the sex was just okay.

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suzablam's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I already knew and loved the story so this was a joy to read :)

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sissa's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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classicsandcocoa's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book was wonderful. Any chess lover would be doing themselves a favour by picking this up. The suspense was incredible, and the visualization was on point. The character building was excellent, and while there were a few plot holes/cliffhangers, it was overall a read 100% worth it.

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capp518's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I read this book because I loved the mini-series. There are some scenes in this book that I feel are completely unnecessary for plot development and character development that thankfully the show omitted. I was hesitant to give it 4 stars because of these scenes, but I still enjoyed the story overall.

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la_karina1818's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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theelliad's review against another edition

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4.5

I have quite honestly never cared about chess so much…

The Queens Gambit is the story of Beth Harmon a young chess prodigy as she battles being orphaned, adopted, addiction, sexuality and overall being viewed as less within her world due to her gender!

This story was beautifully narrated and I found Beth to be very relatable in her struggles and very human within her circumstance! The depictions of addiction are handled well, especially the institutional abusive use of it. The scenes of chess were long and confusing at times but all the more beautiful for it - Beth’s inner voice came through and I felt I understood it even when I didn’t! Safe to say i’m off to watch the netflix show and learn to play chess now….

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