The Queen's Gambit

Orphan Beth Harmon overcomes her fears and shyness by learning to play chess and, over the years, improves her game to become national champion and to play the world grandmasters

“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

“Tevis traps us in the breathless drama of the moment and makes us feel the same intense involvement his characters feel.” –The Cleveland Plain Dealer

“Ultimately, this is not really a novel about chess. . . . It can be read with intense enjoyment by those who know nothing about the game, as long as they are interested in what it means to be human at the deepest levels.” –The Washington Post

“It’s advisable to tape your fingers before opening The Queen’s Gambit. Otherwise, the suspense may bring on nail-chewing right to the elbow.” –Houston Chronicle

“There’s more excitement in Beth than in the collected works of Robert Ludlum.” –Forth Worth Star-Telegram

“One of the most satisfying novels of the year.” –St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“Compelling . . . A magnificent obsession.” –Los Angeles Times