~Evy's OBSESSED~'s Reviews > The Queen's Gambit

3.5

Ya know what? I don't often enjoy realistic fiction BUT "The Queen's Gambit" kept me on the edge of my seat (or bed actually lol) and I couldn't put it down!!! More than just wanting to get though it, I didn't want it to end 😭.

I truly had no idea chess could be so complicated, or so intriguing. Kinda makes me want to learn to play chess.....like how are they so good? I need Beth and Benny to teach me everything 😅.

Also Benny is the best character for sure. He's so chill, charming, quick-witted, and has wonderful dead-pan humour. I love him! 💕

Basically I think I'm gonna to HAVE to watch the Netflix show I've heard so many good things about (plus it has TBS and is therefore a must watch).

"So Evy," you ask. "Why the 3.5 rating if this book is so good?"

Welp my friends the -1.5 stars is seriously just for content. Mainly relating to one sex scene (not crazy descriptive but still there) mentions of sex (-1 star) and a ton of drugs/alcohol (-.5 stars). The drugs/alcohol was kinda important to the story tho since the main character does struggle with addiction and fights it.

Would I recommend this? Yeah prolly tho I would let the person know about some of the less than great content problems🙃.

**

OVERVIEW
"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 sixteen, she's competing for the U.S. 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."

POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Although an addict, Beth does have people trying to support her and help her through. Beth finds solace in chess which also helps.

SPIRITUAL ELEMENTS
At the orphanage, Beth had to attend church. A few mentions of God and religion.

VIOLENCE
Really light. Beth hears a couple arguing and shouting. Mentions of kids being beaten for misbehaviour.

SEXUAL CONTENT
A LOT here. Beware. One sex scene (not super descriptive but descriptive enough and obvious what's happening). Several mentions of making love. At the orphanage a girl has Beth masturbate her, Beth doesn't understand what is happening and is really uncomfortable. Mentions of wanting to have sex with someone. Talk of relationships and making-out.

LANGUAGE
"H--l", "d--n", "a--", and "s--t" said some. Someone called a "bastard". "F--king" said as a curse and in the literal sense.

DRUGS/ALCOHOL
Beth is given tranquilizers at the orphanage and grows addicted to them (she tries to steal some). People drink and smoke at a party and at other times throughout the novel. Beth goes a couple months completely wasted. Beth gets drunk/becomes an alcoholic.

OTHER NOTES
A good story of chess, though it does have some hefty content. Recommended 16+ for sexual content, foul language, and addiction.

**

~Happy Reading~