Reviews

Das Damengambit by Walter Tevis

ilianachloe's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

flamepea's review against another edition

2.0

I found this book very flat. The chess games were interesting for someone who knows zilch about chess yet it became repetitive and the characters/storyline do not expand beyond it. Additionally it contained problematic representation of women of colour.

Spoiler

why was it necessary for the only black character to rape the main character? its never discussed afterwards. plus, reinforcing lesbian/queer pedophile stereotype.

studiouspoppy's review against another edition

dark tense fast-paced

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

3.0

literally this is so clearly written by a white man. i’m annoyed at the casual use of the n word (with a hard r too) to show the culture of the time; i’m annoyed at how the abuse of a literal child seems to be written as it’s nothing??? or like it’s not as bad as it is when she was literally being exploited by her mother?? idk i feel very annoyed also that they made it a series with an adult protagonist like she’s not a child when her addiction started & it wasn’t the orphanage’s fault that she became dependent. 

loukar's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-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

5.0

helenehannailona's review against another edition

challenging hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

lucyistoocool's review against another edition

5.0

So riveting!! The writing was so good, the perfect balance of plot, internal dialogue, feelings, and visualization. I don’t even care about chess but I care about Beth Harmon.

soliteyah's review against another edition

reflective tense medium-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

4.25

I don't play chess but found this extremely readable and engaging. I was really rooting for Beth and on the edge of my seat during her games.

helenasophie's review

challenging dark informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• 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

4.5

ikilerandi's review against another edition

5.0

Me encantó, pero me sorprende que cómodo con la serie los últimos capítulos si cambian, sin duda, ambos valen la pena

phoenix2's review against another edition

4.0

The Queen's Gambit is an intense drama about obsession and chess.

Right from the start, the author pulls you in, starting quite ominously, with Beth enterting the orphanage and having her first taste of the pills that will accompany her later on.

The author does a superb job creating this brilliant character that feels impathetic and closed up to the reader, with razor sharp thinking and cold rationality. And yet, that what makes her outbursts so intense.

Also, he manages to make every single chess match thrilling and suspenseful, even for though who have no idea about how chess is played. And yet, the author makes it simple to follow and doesn't let his reader get bored while reading one match after the other.

A brilliant book, overall.