Reviews

Das Damengambit by Walter Tevis

literati2000's review against another edition

dark emotional funny informative inspiring slow-paced

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

4.0

i watched the show first, and i love both. it isn’t fast paced, and it took me a while to read, but i think it’s worth it. such a unique story, really enjoyable 

effaly's review against another edition

2.0

If it wasn't for the first 100 pages, which were actually really interesting, I'd give this book 1 Star.

The book introduces the reader to a bright orphaned child, which not only brilliant at chess but that develops an addiction at a young age. Following her through her childhood was fascinating but also disturbing at times.

Spoiler

Honestly, why did the author feel the need to casually throw in a rape scene and writing an eight-year-old trying to masturbate??? Just WHY?

Once she reaches her teenage years, things get very quickly very boring. One chess-tournament after another. She's still addicted to pills. And it seems there's only ever one emotion she feels: anger.

The writing style is clunky and lacks depth. We never know what anyone feels or thinks, other than "Beth was angry/annoyed/furious". The author definitely never heard of show, don't tell. The random time-skips made it occasionally very confusing.

The chess scenes were boring and poorly described. I skimmed them most of the time.

Overall, it felt like the story was presenting ideas but wasn't going with them anywhere, and only repeated the same things over and over again. Some things, though they had or should had an impact on her life, were never resolved or talked about again.

Spoiler

The first and only genius girl chess player - yet, in the end, she needs help from a man. The addictions were just there. It was never resolved or properly discussed. Not even when she was getting help. And don't get me started on her "parents".

In addition to the stale and one-dimensional characters, it's a book that I'll probably forget rather quickly.

soupgirl9's review against another edition

3.0

if we’re being honest with ourselves… the show was better

lianmudd's review against another edition

4.0

I don’t know why but this book felt about twice as long as it’s actual 250 pages. Nevertheless, I love Beth’s journey. I don’t know much about chess besides how to play, but I still LOVE this entire story. I will admit, however, I don’t think I would have loved it as much if I hadn’t see the Netflix show first. The show did a fantastic job at portraying this story, and bringing everything to life.

Anywho, I loveeee Beth Harmon and her character growth. I enjoyed the writing style. It did a great job at portraying her entire journey despite all the time jumps through the years. The balance between her chess journey and her own personal struggles and development was perfect.

I do think I would have enjoyed it more if I knew more about chess and could actually follow along with all the games better; which is completely on me. The author did a fantastic job at painting the picture and taking you through the games. You could feel the suspense, the relief, the anger, the frustration, the weariness. All of it.

4 stars!

sopnaz's review against another edition

fast-paced

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

5.0

loved this so much! Beth's growth to power and conquering the chess universe is so captivating!!!

kaloyan_woo's review against another edition

4.0

the best Coca Cola ad I’ve seen

soleil_soleil's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-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

4.5

Super interesting book. Very closely followed in the Netflix series too! The book was definitely a page-turner, I wanted to read it all in one sitting! I can't say I enjoyed reading about Beth's use and abuse of drugs to be honest.

This book is more "adult" than YA in genre, just a heads up!

despina_pngrk's review against another edition

emotional informative tense medium-paced

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

3.75

bryw4nk's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

3.5

jalb's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.25