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The Queen's Gambit

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The Queen's Gambit

By: Walter Tevis
Narrated by: Amy Landon
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About this listen

Engaging and fast-paced, this gripping coming-of-age novel of chess, feminism, and addiction speeds to a conclusion as elegant and satisfying as a mate in four.

Eight-year-old orphan Beth Harmon is quiet, sullen, and by all appearances unremarkable. That is, until she plays her first game of chess. Her senses grow sharper, her thinking clearer, and for the first time in her life she feels herself fully in control.

By the age of 16, she's competing for the US Open championship. But as Beth hones her skills on the professional circuit, the stakes get higher, her isolation grows more frightening, and the thought of escape becomes all the more tempting.

©2018 Walter Tevis (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Adaptation Chess
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Loved this story and performance, I laughed and cried. beautifully read and engaging to the end.

Loved this story and narration

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This was a great story but the narration let it down. I’m not normally bothered by poor narration, but the drama of the narration is off in almost every line.
I’d suggest the narrator spend some time listening to great narrators and gaining a comprehension of what makes them great.
The story is fantastic, though. It took me a few runs through each chapter to comprehend the authors intent, but it was worth it.

Terrific storyline

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I didn't like the voice of the narrator at first as it reminded me of the windows voice, but it grew on me and I realised it was a perfect depiction of Beth. Great book and great listen.

Great

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Interezfing story of an girl ophaned at 8, who learns to play chess from ophanage janitor.Her photographic memory leads her to be a world champion at 19 at a time when chess was classed as a mens game. Her struggle with tranquilisers and alcohol are nearly her undoing.
For someone who knows nothing of chess , the technical names and moves on the board was irritating at times.
Well narrated

Heartwarming story of an ophan in the 60's

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I nearly stopped listening to this book after the first 3 lines due to the narrator sounding so stilted. I thought it would drive me nuts. But I am so glad I didn’t. I soon got used to the pace and found the story un-put downable (so to speak). If you feel the same don’t give up. She almost becomes hypnotic - loved the whole experience of this book

Narrator initially off putting but grows on you

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!
I also learnt a little bit about chess whilst listening to it.
Read it!!!!

Queens Gambit

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The Netflix series was fantastic but you cannot hear her internal dialog. The chess analysis and her struggle with addiction is way more detailed, understandable and interesting.

I knew what was going to happen but was rivited regardless.

Great book.

Better than the series.

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One of the best, if not THE best books I've listened to. Amy Landon was amazing. Better than the Netflix show, thank you so much for this.

Best Narration! Great story

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Narrator was okay but the whole theme of the book was depressing. She never had anyone that really loved her and took an interest in who she was and invested in her as a person. Even her adopted mother throughout the book seemed distant and only interested when she started making money and becoming famous. Maybe it's the way that Beth doesn't feel anything towards most people, no empathy, no joy, sadness nothing. maybe its ti do with the drugs but she seems absolutely numb to the world in most ways. Which as a listener is quite depressing after the whole story she still isn't happy still has no real friends or family who love her. She one the world title but still feels so empty inside. Just how the story left me feeling is all.

good story but a few points

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I'm not into chess, yet really enjoyed the journey of the young genius. looking forward to watch the show.

Gripping till the end

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