The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis: A Book Review and Series Comparision

Today Kim is going to bring you a book review and Netflix series comparison to Walter Tevis’ novel The Queen’s Gambit:

The Queen’s Gamit
Author: Walter Tevis
Published: March 11, 2003
243 Pages

Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 5 stars

Book Description:

When she is sent to an orphanage at the age of eight, Beth Harmon soon discovers two ways to escape her surroundings, albeit fleetingly: playing chess and taking the little green pills given to her and the other children to keep them subdued. Before long, it becomes apparent that hers is a prodigious talent, and as she progresses to the top of the US chess rankings she is able to forge a new life for herself. But she can never quite overcome her urge to self-destruct. For Beth, there’s more at stake than merely winning and losing.

Kim’s Review:

What a great story! It was nice that I had the faces of the characters from the Netflix show in my head as I was reading, but the story itself could stand all on its own. Beth Harmon is such a dynamic character and watching her grow and learn and mature was fun. Just when you think you have her figured out, she surprises you. This book reads like a history and seems to fit Harmon’s frame of mind. It’s very concise and aloof and yet it makes you care! I’m sure I would have enjoyed it even more if I understood chess; but my brain doesn’t work that way so I’m not too torn up about! Thankfully, it’s easy to read even for those of us who prefer checkers or battleship. Despite some adult themes, I think this would be a good one to get teens into reading! I absolutely recommend it to anyone!


Netflix Series Comparison:

https://youtu.be/CDrieqwSdgI

Kim’s Video Series Comparison:

Novel Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK