Boxing Day Sale is live! Up to 20% off 2000+ Books

The Queen's Gambit

Now a Major Netflix Drama
Series: W&N Essentials
4.18 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 134,311 ratings, 15,699 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis is a gripping tale of an orphaned chess prodigy, Beth Harmon, who rises to prominence in the male-dominated world of competitive chess. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, it explores themes of ambition, addiction, and the quest for identity. As Beth navigates personal challenges, her genius shines through in the strategic battles on the chessboard.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by tales of genius and personal growth, following a young girl's journey from an orphanage to becoming an international chess prodigy. It's a compelling mix of psychological insight and the intense world of competitive chess, offering rich character development and moments of personal triumph.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Queen's Gambit

A modern classic about a troubled chess prodigy and her battle to survive --- a coming of age story of feminism, chess and addiction

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! 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.

The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis explores the intricacies of genius and madness, as Beth's journey unfolds across the chessboard and beyond.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis is hailed as a masterful and moving piece, showcasing Tevis's storytelling prowess. The writing is described as clear and precise, while the narrative is gripping enough to potentially disturb your sleep if started late.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781474600842

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 April 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 229g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Walter Tevis was an American novelist and short story writer. Whilst a student at the University of Kentucky, Tevis worked in a pool hall and published a story about the game for an English class. He would later revisit his love for pool in the novels THE HUSTLER (1959) and THE COLOR OF MONEY (1984), both of which would be adapted into multiple award-winning films starring Paul Newman. Among his other works, THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH (1963) and MOCKINGBIRD (1980) are considered masterpieces of science fiction. Tevis died in 1984.

Also by Walter Tevis

View all

More from General Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.