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theswordandthesea's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
One of the rare instances where I can’t decide if I like the show or the book better (usually it’s easily the book). I think both had their issues, though ultimately the storytelling is probably better here in the book. There are some author choices when Beth’s in the home that I didn’t like and it made her reunion/friendship with Jolene somewhat baffling. I don’t think the characterization of Jolene is perfect in either medium though. I didn’t expect written descriptions of chess games to be so compelling, especially as someone who doesn’t play the game but there was one that actually gave me chills! An undeniably well-written book and Beth is a standout character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
jess_tries2read's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Drug abuse
Minor: Sexual assault
stefnevells's review against another edition
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really want to be able to connect to these characters. I can logically understand the trauma and hardship and neurodivergencies that all make beth Harmon who she is. And I still don't feel any sense of connection to her. I find her pretty unlikeable, and the story offers so little by ways of character development when there's so much opportunity for it. The book well written, the chess scenes do a great job of conveying tension. But the characters are flat and I just couldn't find myself caring about them.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
canadawithoutthec's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, and Sexual assault
lydiawilson's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Drug abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism and Sexual content
28rv_ss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Grief, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Car accident, Racial slurs, and Sexual assault
araceli_'s review against another edition
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Alcohol, and Sexual assault
bek_p87's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This is a book about chess, but it is also a book about loneliness, addiction, and obsession. I loved it, so much more than I thought I would, despite not knowing anything at all about chess. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content
s0ph1e_a's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I enjoyed this book and knew the ending having seen the show but was still found that the tension gripped me.
There was a section near the beginning which I felt was unnecessary for the book and didn’t add to the narrative, and at points the chess jargon was slightly more than I could absorb easily.
There was a section near the beginning which I felt was unnecessary for the book and didn’t add to the narrative, and at points the chess jargon was slightly more than I could absorb easily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, and Racial slurs
emmy9's review against another edition
The SA in the first chapter
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Racial slurs