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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
Decided to read the original book version because I absolutely loved the Netflix adaptation. This might be one of those rare times where the TV show is slightly better than the book, feels really strange to admit. The book is by no means bad, it's actually rather well written, but it lacks charm and the strong supporting characters that made the show SO good. A lot of the content and dialogue carry over, but imo there's enough different material to justify reading the book as well.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read this book after watching the Netflix tv series and I'm very impressed by how the show had stayed true to most of the book. I really enjoyed both book and tv adaptation, and i think the tv series did a fantastic job at making the story even better (e.g. involving more about Beth's relationship with her birth mother, her friendships etc.).
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
The language was a bit simplistic at times but other than that I enjoyed it.
4'5* Buen libro, buena historia. Leeré más a este autor!
emotional
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
I know how to play chess. I know how the pieces move. But I need to double check to see where the king and queen are set up, and I don't know the names of any of the spaces, and I certainly don't know the names of any openings or strategies etc, and I can't see more than a turn or two ahead. I even have trouble playing the whole board.
And yet, the chess as described in this book was thrilling. Maybe I even learned a thing or two about how the spaces are named, but even if none of that sticks, I felt like I could still follow along with Beth's games.
I'd already seen (and loved) the Netflix miniseries based on this book, so I was a bit hesitant to pick up this book. It's over forty years old; would it feel dated? Would it blemish my memories of the Netflix show? Or, maybe worst of all, would it just be the same exact thing that was shown on screen?
Well, and I guess this may be a bit of a spoiler, but: it's almost exactly the same thing as the show. The scenes, the characters, the story beats, etc: the show seems to have been a very faithful adaptation of the book.
Surprisingly, that's not a bad thing. An excellent book became an excellent television series, and it's worth your time to experience them both.
And yet, the chess as described in this book was thrilling. Maybe I even learned a thing or two about how the spaces are named, but even if none of that sticks, I felt like I could still follow along with Beth's games.
I'd already seen (and loved) the Netflix miniseries based on this book, so I was a bit hesitant to pick up this book. It's over forty years old; would it feel dated? Would it blemish my memories of the Netflix show? Or, maybe worst of all, would it just be the same exact thing that was shown on screen?
Well, and I guess this may be a bit of a spoiler, but: it's almost exactly the same thing as the show. The scenes, the characters, the story beats, etc: the show seems to have been a very faithful adaptation of the book.
Surprisingly, that's not a bad thing. An excellent book became an excellent television series, and it's worth your time to experience them both.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
I really, really wish I'd read this before seeing the TV show. I loved the story and the way Tevis writes (why have I never read anything by him before - get thee to a library woman!). He writes believable women well, he even managed it in the middle of the 1980s.
It's not a big novel but it's packed full, small font with narrow margins give you dense text. I was slightly put off on seeing this but glad as once I started reading I didn't want to stop. The more words the better!
The story rollocks along as Beth drinks and drugs her way around a chess board. The play itself is never boring, I assume it's factually correct but my chess ability has not matured since I was a very untalented member of the primary school club.
It's not a big novel but it's packed full, small font with narrow margins give you dense text. I was slightly put off on seeing this but glad as once I started reading I didn't want to stop. The more words the better!
The story rollocks along as Beth drinks and drugs her way around a chess board. The play itself is never boring, I assume it's factually correct but my chess ability has not matured since I was a very untalented member of the primary school club.
A joy to read from front to back. Whether you know chess or not, I would highly recommend this book. Loved it.