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abmalada 's review for:
The Queen's Gambit
by Walter Tevis
From what I remember of the Netflix series, it was very faithful to the book. It was an enjoyable read, though I found myself skimming over the longer chess move descriptions (I do not have the patience to try and imagine the moves and have to take the word of the author on their cleverness). The book was the right length as well.
One thing that I liked was that it didn't not try to overcomplicate itself. There were precisely two plot points: Beth's desire to beat Russian grandmasters and her substance abuse and fear that held her back. That's it. Sure, there were side characters, but there weren't B and C plot lines. The plot was simple and well worked out.
My primary complaint is the ending. What happens after? We never see Beth attempt become a grandmaster or attempt to become World Champion. The whole plot surrounds beating the four Russians. The rest is implied and set up. While there are clear plot implications regarding the substance abuse and chess, I would've liked an extended epilogue. A common theme throughout the book was the idea that chess is literally the entire lives of these children prodigy. The child that Beth played couldn't understand what Beth was asking when she asked him what he'd do after being World Champion at 16. She similarly couldn't answer the question. Even Borgov had a family. Does Beth recognize her accomplished goals and apply her mind to something else? Does she peter away her whole life playing chess?
One thing that I liked was that it didn't not try to overcomplicate itself. There were precisely two plot points: Beth's desire to beat Russian grandmasters and her substance abuse and fear that held her back. That's it. Sure, there were side characters, but there weren't B and C plot lines. The plot was simple and well worked out.
My primary complaint is the ending. What happens after? We never see Beth attempt become a grandmaster or attempt to become World Champion. The whole plot surrounds beating the four Russians. The rest is implied and set up. While there are clear plot implications regarding the substance abuse and chess, I would've liked an extended epilogue. A common theme throughout the book was the idea that chess is literally the entire lives of these children prodigy. The child that Beth played couldn't understand what Beth was asking when she asked him what he'd do after being World Champion at 16. She similarly couldn't answer the question. Even Borgov had a family. Does Beth recognize her accomplished goals and apply her mind to something else? Does she peter away her whole life playing chess?