The Queen's Gambit
By Walter Tevis
- Release Date: 2014-09-29
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
Netflix’s most watched limited series to date! The thrilling novel of one young woman’s journey through the worlds of chess and drug addiction.
When eight-year-old Beth Harmon’s parents are killed in an automobile accident, she’s placed in an orphanage in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. Plain and shy, Beth learns to play chess from the janitor in the basement and discovers she is a prodigy. Though penniless, she is desperate to learn more—and steals a chess magazine and enough money to enter a tournament. Beth also steals some of her foster mother’s tranquilizers to which she is becoming addicted.
At thirteen, Beth wins the chess tournament. By the age of sixteen she is competing in the US Open Championship and, like Fast Eddie in The Hustler, she hates to lose. By eighteen she is the US champion—and Russia awaits . . .
Fast-paced and elegantly written, The Queen’s Gambit is a thriller masquerading as a chess novel—one that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
“The Queen’s Gambit is sheer entertainment. It is a book I reread every few years—for the pure pleasure and skill of it.” —Michael Ondaatje, Man Booker Prize–winning author of The English Patient
Reviews
Great Read
5By nakoi001I enjoyed the show very much and wanted to read this after. It was a pleasurable read.💙💙💙
5By amandax345Dives deep into the world of chess but is not at all boring. Beth is very compelling and as we journey though her life we get to know her and how she handles her problems.I was on the edge of my seat
5By nforakerThis book was incredible. For context, I’m not really a reader (often leaving books unfinished). I couldn’t put this book down. The writing style had me interested from page 2 through the end. PLEASE read this before seeing the show. This book is worth every pageThe Queens Gambit
4By wilhelminavdAfter seeing The Queens Gambit on Netflix, I really wanted to read the book. It started off slow because I had just loved the visual rendition of it...... but as time went on I could see the original book taking shape much more eloquently. Some things they changed in the series just made the book more classic to me. I’m glad I read it....A wonderful moral message given!👍👍
5By Toad$toolI read this book because of the Netflix special. I started to watch it but saw it was based on a book so switch to the book instead while my husband finished the series. We like to compare notes. I have never played chess and know nothing about the game, but this author made the game a thrilling spectator sport! Interesting look into the world of pro chess and addiction. Looking forward to reading more from this author.A Terrific Story
5By Dan110The Netflix series was very well done. The book is even better. See the series first, then read the book.Ahead of its time
5By FriskyJoyA wonderful read, engrossing book. I never thought I’d love a book based on chess, but this was great. The author creates a young woman protagonist I feel I now know. All the characters are interesting and complex.“The Queen’s Gambit” has a powerful affect that will stay with your for a lifetime.
5By geekvsmachineThis is my most favorite book since I was a young adult reader although it covers a very adult reality. It pulls you in through a young girls eyes. An inquisitive orphan girl finds respite in days spent staring at a chess board with the building’s janitor. He sees her gift. She knows her potential. Can she find it within herself to achieve it?