Sign in with Facebook
Anne 's Reviews > The Queen's Gambit
The Queen's Gambit
by
by
11/15/20 Update: After listening to this book I watched the Netflix adaptation and loved it.
Review:
This novel was my "waiting for election results" choice. I tried 3 books previous to this one but was too distracted to become engaged in them. This story, though, heavy on plot, was perfect; I was able to become engaged immediately. I won't discuss the plot because there are already so many reviews of this book on GR. I'll just say do yourself a favor and don't listen to the Audible recording. The audio narrator had in turns a robotic or a sing-song style that constantly drew me out of the story. She also gave emphasis where possibly the author didn't mean for there to be emphasis. Listening to this book was like listening to a beautiful piece of music played by an amateur who constantly hits the wrong note. This is a perfect case of how an audio book narrator can ruin a story. Because it is such a short book I decided to finish it.
There was a lot to like about this story: it was fun to watch a female child prodigy, Beth Harmon, win match after match in a completely male "sport" and to go on to win at higher and higher levels as she grew older, re-dedicating herself to chess as it became more and more stressful. Many of the chess games were intriguing and even riveting at times. I learned a lot about serious chess players and chess matches as well as the level of preparation and dedication involved to become a champion.
Review:
This novel was my "waiting for election results" choice. I tried 3 books previous to this one but was too distracted to become engaged in them. This story, though, heavy on plot, was perfect; I was able to become engaged immediately. I won't discuss the plot because there are already so many reviews of this book on GR. I'll just say do yourself a favor and don't listen to the Audible recording. The audio narrator had in turns a robotic or a sing-song style that constantly drew me out of the story. She also gave emphasis where possibly the author didn't mean for there to be emphasis. Listening to this book was like listening to a beautiful piece of music played by an amateur who constantly hits the wrong note. This is a perfect case of how an audio book narrator can ruin a story. Because it is such a short book I decided to finish it.
There was a lot to like about this story: it was fun to watch a female child prodigy, Beth Harmon, win match after match in a completely male "sport" and to go on to win at higher and higher levels as she grew older, re-dedicating herself to chess as it became more and more stressful. Many of the chess games were intriguing and even riveting at times. I learned a lot about serious chess players and chess matches as well as the level of preparation and dedication involved to become a champion.
Sign into Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to see if any of your friends have read
The Queen's Gambit.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
Comments Showing 1-50 of 54 (54 new)
message 1:
by
Kevin
(new)
Nov 08, 2020 10:17AM
Haven't read the novel, but am loving the TV series, Anne.
reply
|
flag
Kevin wrote: "Haven't read the novel, but am loving the TV series, Anne."I almost watched the tv series but decided to read the book first.
Anne wrote: "Kevin wrote: "Haven't read the novel, but am loving the TV series, Anne."I almost watched the tv series but decided to read the book first."
I've since finished my binge-watch of the series and have nothing but praise. Superb from start to finish.
If the book is as good, you're in for a treat, Anne!
Kevin, I'm looking forward to the tv series. The book is good but not great, at least for me. The narrator of the audio is a problem - she has a robotic voice. Besides that, there is a lot of serious chess talk which I don't understand, and I already know how it ends. LOL A lot of complaints. But it served a purpose. With the election over here I was very distracted and having a difficult time getting into a book and somehow this one worked.
I'm glad this book managed to focus your attention, captured so much by the election, so far. Do you think that could attract me too ?
Théodore wrote: "I'm glad this book managed to focus your attention, captured so much by the election, so far. Do you think that could attract me too ?"Theo, I don't think this book is anything like what you usually read. Unless you are interested in chess I don't think this book would interest you. I'd classify this as a well-written thriller. I never want to say never - if it sounds at all interesting you might like to give it a try as a change of pace.
Well, if you say it's well written, pass the test. Even if I don't kill myself for thrillers. The only thriller I liked was Michael Jackson's " Thriller", ha !
Théodore wrote: "Well, if you say it's well written, pass the test. Even if I don't kill myself for thrillers. The only thriller I liked was Michael Jackson's " Thriller", ha !"Theo, Ha! Good one. Maybe you should give it a try. I look forward to reading your review.
Théodore wrote: "Thank you, Anne."You're welcome.
Terrific review, Anne. I really want to read this, but hesitate a bit wondering if the chess will overwhelm me. You know, come to think of it, I've never even picked up a chess piece in my life! :D
Candi wrote: "Terrific review, Anne. I really want to read this, but hesitate a bit wondering if the chess will overwhelm me. You know, come to think of it, I've never even picked up a chess piece in my life! :D"Candi, thank you! Hmm. Trying to predict if you will like this novel is difficult. There are reviews from 3-5 stars on GR. This isn't your usual genre; you know, beautiful prose with deep meaning, etc. This is really in the thriller genre. Light on "issues," though they exist. Having said that, I think if you decide to read it as a light read you might like it well enough because you are the type of reader who focuses on the positive aspects of the novels you read. There is a lot of chess and it's nothing like the very metaphorical and psychological story of Zweig's novella Chess Story. Is that any help?
Nice review - glad it kept your mind occupied. Are you going to watch the Netflix series?
Yes. I started it last night. What about you?
Anne, your response was a huge help! I had a feeling it was more thriller-ish, and I was afraid I might make comparisons to Zweig's novella, which wouldn't really be fair. I think I'm better off just letting this one sit for some time and reading at a later date, when Zweig's work isn't still pretty fresh in my mind :) You know, you mentioned that I focus on the positive aspects of what I read - and I think you are right! I just realized I am doing this with a situation in real life right now, but don't know if I'm doing more harm to the person I'm trying to help (my daughter!) by doing so... long story though lol! :D
Candi wrote: You know, you mentioned that I focus on the positive aspects of what I read - and I think you are right! I just realized I am doing this with a situation in real life right now, but don't know if I'm doing more harm to the person I'm trying to help (my daughter!) by doing so... long story though lol! :DCandi, I meant that as a compliment and something I admire about you. PM me if you want to tell me the long story. I like long stories. :))
That is the way I took it, Anne, and I thank you for that! I'll PM you, not that it's a big deal, but we haven't chatted in a while!! :)
Candi wrote: "That is the way I took it, Anne, and I thank you for that! I'll PM you, not that it's a big deal, but we haven't chatted in a while!! :)"Ok. :))
On one hand, I'm flattered that you gave this one a shot and broke out of your reading funk, Anne, but I wish you'd read the book! I can see how a thriller or a chiller might be exciting to listen to, but chess is harder to translate to that format. This is a short novel too. I think it's shorter than the first Harry Potter. Anyway, I hope you follow this up with something that breaks through all the static out there. It's not easy these days.
I was scrolling through Netflix tonight and considered it, not realizing it was based on a book. After reading your review I may just skip the book and go straight to the show.
JanB wrote: "I was scrolling through Netflix tonight and considered it, not realizing it was based on a book. After reading your review I may just skip the book and go straight to the show."Jan, a lot of people enjoyed the book. Audio was terrible. I'm almost done with the miniseries. It's very good.
Joe wrote: "I hope you follow this up with something that breaks through all the static out there. It's not easy these days."Joe, no kidding. Way too much chatter. I limit myself to reading the newspaper once a day.
Re: the book, I did the audio because it was immediately available. Too bad the narrator was so poor. But I've watched most of the tv series now and that's good and it's fun to compare he book to the series.
Sorry the audio sort of ruined this one for you, Anne. That is my general experience with audio. I find I am one for reading rather than listening.
Sara wrote: "Sorry the audio sort of ruined this one for you, Anne. That is my general experience with audio. I find I am one for reading rather than listening."Sara, I know you don't listen to audios books. But it's pretty rare that Audible has such a poor narrator. I like to read books too but this wasn't immediately available in book form, but the audio was. I've almost finished the tv adaptation which is very good.
Thank you, Elyse. You are SO SWEET!
Anne, Your review is excellent. I neglected to say anything because unless I have something to say other than "great review" I usually don't post.Elyse, So sorry for all you're going through. I'm glad the excellent Netflix show is out there. This is one of my favorite books and I'm glad I didn't read the audio edition of it! I was able to put my own inflections and voices, etc. on the characters. It's a shame that the author died so soon after this book's publication.
Lisa wrote: "Anne, Your review is excellent. I neglected to say anything because unless I have something to say other than "great review" I usually don't post.Elyse, So sorry for all you're going through. I'm..."
Thank you, Lisa. No problem about not commenting earlier. I understand the dilemma of not having anything so say. I loved the Netflix series.
Anne wrote: "Thank you, Lisa. No problem about not commenting earlier. I understand the dilemma of not having anything so say. I loved the Netflix series. ."Thank you,. Anne. Unless I have something real to say/add, something other than "great review" which my *like* already says, I don't participate. Sometimes the discussion in the posts gets me participating, sometimes not.
Glad you loved the Netflix adaptation - I will get to it soon!
Lisa wrote: "Glad you loved the Netflix adaptation - I will get to it soon!"I's like to hear what you think of it compared to the audio. They changed a few things. They don't have the constant chess talk. That makes it easier. I thought they did a really good job.
Would you say that this book would be interesting for a (very well read) ten year old?
Malin wrote: "Would you say that this book would be interesting for a (very well read) ten year old?"Not sure. . Maybe you could ask others. I don't have the book in front of me. There are references to sex in the book, though I don't recall explicit sex scenes.
I also made the mistake of listening to the audiobook. The narrator was terrible, especially when doing the dialogues.
Darya wrote: "I also made the mistake of listening to the audiobook. The narrator was terrible, especially when doing the dialogues."Darya, yes, the audio was quite bad. The only thing to do now is to watch the Netflix adaptation.
I wasn't aware that this was a novel. My daughter loved the Netflix series and wanted me to watch. I'll skip the novel and follow your endorsement for the series. :))
Carol wrote: "I wasn't aware that this was a novel. My daughter loved the Netflix series and wanted me to watch. I'll skip the novel and follow your endorsement for the series. :))"Good idea to watch the movie but a lot of people love the book. it's just the audio that's a problem. Enjoy.
I appreciate your tip about the audiobook narration. I had it queued up on my Hoopla app but will skip it in lieu of the print version. I too watched the Netflix series and really enjoyed it!
Regina wrote: "I appreciate your tip about the audiobook narration. I had it queued up on my Hoopla app but will skip it in lieu of the print version. I too watched the Netflix series and really enjoyed it!"I hope you enjoy the book!
The narrator sounded like she was on tranquilizers herself.
Kristen wrote: "The narrator sounded like she was on tranquilizers herself."Good point! :))
Terrific review, Anne! The book has never really intrigued me, but for some reason the show does. I'm thinking about starting to watch it soon. :)
Melissa wrote: "Terrific review, Anne! The book has never really intrigued me, but for some reason the show does. I'm thinking about starting to watch it soon. :)"You'll probably enjoy it, Melissa. It's very well done.
I'll be sure to read this and not listen if I ever get around to it. I have seen the Netflix series without knowing it was a book. I hated finding that out. Now I almost feel as if I won't pick up the book bc I watched the show.
Lori wrote: "I'll be sure to read this and not listen if I ever get around to it. I have seen the Netflix series without knowing it was a book. I hated finding that out. Now I almost feel as if I won't pick up ..."I know exactly how you feel. I watched the movie of Rebecca and am now having a hard time getting through the book.
Many people consider the book a classic. It has a LOT more about chess in it than the series.
I agree. The narrator nearly ruined the book for me.
Louann wrote: "I agree. The narrator nearly ruined the book for me."Louann, there seems to be a lot of agreement about the narrator. Thank you for commenting.
I completely agree about the audiobook! It was painful to listen to, and her voice is stuck in my head now. Some lines were read really well, I’m just so baffled at how the entire thing came together like it did!
Rachel wrote: "I completely agree about the audiobook! It was painful to listen to, and her voice is stuck in my head now. Some lines were read really well, I’m just so baffled at how the entire thing came togeth..."It was painful to listen to. What you need to do is watch the Netflix series. it will help you get the book out of your head.
I had watched the adaptation the day it came out, Anne...but I didn't know, till now, that it was an adaptation! I think the it alone will suffice though, I don't need to delve deeper into the tale :)
Tamoghna wrote: "I had watched the adaptation the day it came out, Anne...but I didn't know, till now, that it was an adaptation! I think the it alone will suffice though, I don't need to delve deeper into the tale :)"I agree, Tamoghna. Reading the book will not tell you more about the tale. You would just read more about chess moves.
