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Original Essays | December 12, 2009

The Courage of Others

0 comments By Alexander McCall Smith

I have recently written a novel about life in England during the Second World War. I felt some concern before I tackled this theme — the War... Continue »

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1. 
   $16.76 Sale Hardcover add to wish list

   La's Orchestra Saves the World

   Alexander McCall Smith

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Terry Labach, June 13, 2008

I had an inkling of how odd the world of chess players was, thanks to my son who showed early chess promise and success, until he gave the game up to play guitar.

But the obsessives of the chess world remain largely hidden to most of us. King's Gambit is one of a number of recent books that opens up that world. Paul Hoffman, former editor of Discover magazine, brings his writing talent to bear on both the world of chess and his troubled relationship with his father. Hoffman, himself a chess talent, was introduced to the game by his father.

Readers of "Searching for Bobby Fischer" will recognize many of the venues, characters, and observations. In some ways Hoffman's book feels as both prequel and sequel to the earlier book, as he records his travels around the world, attending tournaments and meeting players at all levels. Gossip about Kasparov and Kramnik is interspersed with his memories of his youth, his parents, and his chess.

For chess nuts, or anyone who has struggled with their parents, this book is highly recommended.

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