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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

December fiction and nonfiction choices @Andrew65 #12booksof2023

BarbaraBB I loved this one so much! 3mo

Andrew65 Thanks for playing long, a great way to review 2023. See you for #12Booksof2024 on Christmas Day. 3mo

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Chess Story wins for December's #fiction #readingbracket2023 @chasjjlee , but The Postscript Murders wins for the best fiction book overall for 2023.

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

#top23of2023 @BarbaraBB

Because my collage app won't accept 20+ photos, you've got my #auldlangspine list plus a few that didn't make the final cut.

Tagging @TrishB @squirrelbrain @rockpools @Mitch @RaeLovesToRead @MicheleinPhilly @julesG @scripturient @Susanita @Oryx @CGalinor3 @Caroline2 @Leniverse

RaeLovesToRead Ooh, thanks! I'll have a think... 4mo

BarbaraBB So many good ones among this list, love it! 4mo

squirrelbrain I see a few #camplitsy reads on there! 4mo

See All 7 Comments

MicheleinPhilly I‘m going to wait until year end to do mine as I‘m hoping to get a good chunk of reading done next week. Will tag you when I post though! 😘 4mo

Caroline2 Oh great looking list! 😮 4mo

TrishB Thank you 😘 starting to decide on mine. Great list. 4mo

rockpools Ooh, that *is* a good looking list. I‘ll have a think when I‘m off next week - the last month has just been chaos. I‘m not sure I‘ll make 23 this year though… 4mo

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The_Penniless_Author

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

1. Chess is my overall favorite, Scrabble is my favorite to play with my wife, and Ticket to Ride is my favorite family game.

2. Tagged

Your turn! @RaeLovesToRead @dabbe @CBee @IuliaC @MegaWhoppingCosmicBookwyrm

dabbe Will do; thanks for the tag! And you're a chess player. Consider myself deeply impressed! 🤩🤩🤩 4mo

The_Penniless_Author @dabbe I mean, I play often enough that I'm a good casual player and could probably impress the pants off of someone who plays very little or not at all, but would get crushed by anyone who studies the game even halfway seriously. 4mo

dabbe @The_Penniless_Author That's still 100% better than me! I have tried to learn, but my brain just can't do it, especially when moving the knight. I am totally hopeless at chess! 🤣 4mo

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! Happy Tuesday 4mo

IuliaC Thanks for the tag! Chess is the king of the games 😁 I really enjoy playing rummy and scrabble 4mo

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#192025 #1942 @Librarybelle

Chess | Stefan Zweig

Librarybelle Hooray!! 5mo

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Eggs

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

In 1976, by presidential proclamation, President Gerald Ford declared October 9th to be National Chess Day: a day to celebrate the royal game. National Chess Day takes place every second Saturday in October.
I love this cover ♟️🖤♟️

#Nat.ChessDay

#AutumnPlease!

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ♟️🙌🏻🤍 6mo

Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🖤♟️❤️ 6mo

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Jari-chan

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

This was a reread, since I think this book is totally worth it. The story is as fascinating as always. Zweig never fails to draw me in, even though I already know the story. This audio book is narrated by Christoph Maria Herbst, and he does an amazing job! He managed to make me feel like I was there on the shop or in this tiny room with B.

#BookspingBingo @TheAromaOfBooks

CoffeeAndABook Sounds like a great audio!! Is this in preparation for the new movie? 3y

Jari-chan @CoffeeAndABook Exactly! 😁 3y

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 3y

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The_Penniless_Author

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

There's quite a lot packed into this 80-odd page novella - chess acts as a metaphor for the duality of human psychology, illuminates the dangers of monomania, shows how in resisting brutality (in this case, Nazi brutality) one can end up as narrow-minded and inhuman as one's tormentors, and explores whether life is governed predominantly by reason or chance. What's more, the prose is deceptively simple and enjoyable to read.

BarbaraBB I loved this one! 3y

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The_Penniless_Author

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

On the great passenger steamer, due to depart New York for Buenos Aires at midnight, there was the usual last-minute bustle and commotion.

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britt_reads

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

I can‘t believe January is almost over already! I have some catching up to do with posts, but I couldn‘t resist getting my February #bookspin list together. I added a couple #nyrb titles on here because I just discovered these beautiful classics, and I went a little overboard when I decided to start my collection. 😅

TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y

Leftcoastzen So good

Stoner

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TheEllieMo

Chess | Stefan Zweig

I am posting one book per day from my extensive to-be-read collection. No description and providing no reason for wanting to read it, I just do. Some will be old, some will be new. Don‘t judge me - I have a lot of books. Join the fun if you want.
This is day 78
#BooksToRead #TBRPile #TBRMountain

adesr16 Ty I just bought this book 3y

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Nitpickyabouttrains

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

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Short story about a game of chess on a boat and the background of the players.

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AlizaApp

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

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Short but packs a punch. A group of men challenge a champion chess player on an ocean liner in the 1930s, not knowing they have a ringer in their midst. This novella is only about 100 pages but I can‘t stop thinking about it.

BarbaraBB Loved this one! ♟ 4y

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suzie.reads

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

What a beautifully written book, Stefan Zweig was definitely an extremely talented writter, so sad that he killed himself. I love chess aswell as my dad taught me when I was little so related with and enjoyed that part of the book♟
#ReadingEurope2020 #Austria 🇦🇹 (9 countries left, off to #VaticanCity next 🇻🇦)

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Cinfhen

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

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Thank you @RachelO for recommending this short novella. As you said, plenty to ponder in so few pages. Haunting & tense, you can feel Dr. B‘s mind shifting and teetering. Zweig‘s own demons were surely felt on each page. #Austria #ReadingEurope2020

Librarybelle, BarbaraBB

rockpools 👍 You‘re getting through them at a rate of knots! 4y

Cathythoughts I loved this one too 👍🏻 4y

Librarybelle Yay...well done! 4y

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BarbaraBB Wasn‘t it a gorgeous book? 4y

Cinfhen Simply stunning @RachelO @Cathythoughts @Librarybelle @BarbaraBB 4y

CafeMom I read my first Zweig in December with Amok. It was also a short book that packed a punch. This book is on my list also. 4y

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rockpools

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

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There‘s an awful lot of book packed into this very short novella.

A steamship journey, a chess master, a story of torture and madness, and a chess game. You can feel the tension, the agitation building, and are just willing the narrator to step in. I‘ll remember this one.

#NewYearWhoDis #ReadingEurope2020 #Austria

Librarybelle, monalyisha, KT1432, BarbaraBB

Librarybelle Nice start! 4y

squirrelbrain Yay! One down.... 4y

Cathythoughts ❤️👍🏻 4y

KT1432 Wow you are off to a great start!! So glad you liked it! 4y

BarbaraBB Great start. I loved this novella and will read another Zweig for Austria! 4y

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rockpools

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

My little local library is coming up trumps today. This is going to be my first read of 2020 and @lele1432 ‘s #NewYearWhoDis list. I also picked up Stoner and downloaded the audio - January‘s mad-busy, work-wise, so I probably won‘t want to do too much print reading.

I‘m waiting for reservations to come in for Salt Slow and Barracoon, & I‘m very excited about ALL of them!

@monalyisha - do you want tagging in these posts? (There might be a few!!)

monalyisha Absolutely! Thanks. 😊 4y

marleed I have a couple books going and I‘m having fun because I‘m deliberately finishing in 2020. I‘m thinking I might even be able to add a third book to the mix! 4y

KT1432 Awww yayyy!! I cannot wait to see what you think of Chess Story. I thought it was masterful. And I'm so glad you downloaded Stoner! It was my pick for #LMPBC and one of my group members just finished it. She loved it! I think it's a great winter read too if you're a seasonal reader at all lol. January will be busy for me as well. But I plan to read through your list all year! I want to read them all lol. 😊 4y

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Cathythoughts Loved Chess Story & Stoner 👍🏻❤️❤️ 4y

rockpools @marleed Ithink I‘ll just have to accept some books are going to spill into next year. I do enjoy starting with a clean slate, but my timing‘s often way off! 4y

rockpools @lele1432 Oh that‘s great to know! And yes, I think I‘ll be reading yours all year too 😊. Stoner‘s a book that I‘ve heard of, but has really never been on my radar, so I know nothing about it. Exciting! 4y

rockpools @Cathythoughts Even more excited now! I‘d never even heard of Chess Story and Stoner‘s completely passed me by - until now 😁 4y

BarbaraBB This book is so good - as is Stoner! Enjoy! (edited) 4y

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Freespirit

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

You don‘t have to be a chess player to enjoy this book. So well written. A German novella of only 100 pages long. It‘s 1941...a passenger steamer, a chess world champion, a back ground of Hitlers Germany. #literature #history

BarbaraBB A gem, this book! I am reading and enjoying another Zweig at the moment,

Beware of Pity

wanderinglynn Sounds fascinating—stacked! 4y

EadieB I‘ve read and enjoyed this one! 4y

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Freespirit I agree @BarbaraBB I will definitely look out for his other books. I will look up Beware of Pity now😄 4y

Freespirit @wanderinglynn I read it in one sitting...short but a gem! 4y

Freespirit I had never heard of it @EadieB till my neighbour loaned it to me 4y

Cathythoughts Such a good book 👍 4y

EadieB @Freespirit It‘s on the 1001 book list of books to read before you die. I also own by him

The Post-Office Girl

batsy I loved this one too! 4y

Freespirit Thanks @Cathythoughts @batsy loved it too💕 4y

Freespirit @EadieB I will hunt up that one too...thank you xx 4y

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

A few days late, but I never get to do a #monthlywrapup. This was a good month for me!
Audio 🎧: 5
Ebook 💻: 1
Physical 📚: 2
5⭐️: Chess Story - favorite book so far this year
4⭐️: The Need, The Silent Patient, Dark Matter
3⭐️: Supermarket, If Beale Street Could Talk
2⭐️: A Nearly Normal Family, Her Body and Other Parties
#julywrapup #julystats #julyreads #monthlystats

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

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5 beautiful stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was masterful, & I never would have read it had I not seen it as a #NYRBbookclub pick. This story shows how the game of chess both saved a man from madness in solitary confinement, & also drove him to the brink of insanity as a result of intellectual overstimulation. As Zweig reveals the darkness of Nazi torment & effects of isolation on the brain, we're reminded just how adept the Nazis were at all types of evil.

KT1432 #nyrb #classics #popsugarreadingchallenge #pop19 #RevolvesAroundAGameOrPuzzle (edited) 5y

sprainedbrain Great review! 5y

KT1432 @sprainedbrain thank you! 😊 5y

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Suet624 Great review. My opinion of the book was so-so, but I think it might have just been poor timing for me. Any other time I might have given it a 5 star rating. 5y

KT1432 @Suet624 thank you! And I honestly think timing has a lot to do with how readers experience books, at least it does for me. 🙂 5y

Suet624 @lele1432 Absolutely. :)
5y

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Well, not quite where I'd like to be at this point of #24b4Monday, but I've only participated in a few readathons and never even made it to 12hrs lol, so 12 was my goal going into it. I just might hit 24 this time! 🤞🏽

Oh, and this book was a masterpiece!! I think it would be a great future #lmpbc pick. #readathon #nyrb #nyrbbookclub #popsugarreadingchallenge #pop19 #popsugar2019 #RevolvesAroundAGameOrPuzzle

Andrew65, jb72, BeansPage

BeansPage Holy moly girl you're doing awesome!!! 🤩🤩 5y

KT1432 @TheReadingMermaid thank you! 😊 5y

Andrew65 A great time. Well done 👏👏👏🙌 5y

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KT1432 @Andrew65 thanks! Now to get back at it lol 5y

Andrew65 @lele1432 Soon be time for the next one. 5y

KT1432 @Andrew65 I can't wait! 5y

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Question 5: Chess Story is classified as a novella. What is the distinction between a novella & a novel? Are these classifications useful?

#NYRBbookclub

Liz_M Presumably the distinction between a novel and novella is length. For me, it is a useful distinction, providing a framework of expectations and reference. A novella is unlikely to convey a story through huge sprawling narratives with extensive character lists and ornate prose. If it is able to portray a complex, multi-layered narrative it tends use economical prose and innuendo rather than detailed descriptions. So my critiques are different. 5y

vivastory Well said @Liz_M ! I completely agree. I think they are useful insofar as providing expectations & I know that they have succeeded when I feel that they're not a failed novel, or a short story that went on for too long. This definitely met my expectations. 5y

Aimeesue Yeah, length. Between a novel and short story, with the simpler (usually single) themes of a short story, less complex/ multi- stranded than novels. Generally shorter time frames. 5y

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emilyhaldi @Liz_M spot on!!! I love a good novella from time to time but have a hard time with short stories.. I always find myself wanting just a bit more. This novella was perfect 👌🏻 5y

KT1432 I think the distinction is useful, for reasons the others have stated. I look for different attributes in novellas. I expect more closure than a short story, but with the understanding that the prose will be compact and concise. If done well, I feel there's a certain richness to this that you might not otherwise get in a full-length novel. More dense and less sprawl, but still conveying a complete story. 5y

youneverarrived With a novella you know you aren‘t going to get a sprawling narrative; it‘s a more condensed and focused form. 5y

vivastory @lele1432 That's a great point about closure. I often think of short stories being closer to poems. Nearly every word matters in a successful short story & a lot of them have more ambiguity than novels. 5y

vivastory @emilyhaldi I love short stories, but it seems to be more in theory as I very rarely actually read them 😂 5y

KT1432 @vivastory there is a lot of ambiguity in short stories lol! I've warmed to them as of late, but it took a while due to the levels of ambiguity and lack of closure. 5y

Liz_M @vivastory I like the “not a failed novel“ description 😁. I think a novella is a slightly different form, requiring slightly different skills. Like in track and field -- some runners are excellent sprinters, some are better at long distances, and, occasionally, some runners are successful at both. 5y

AnneCecilie I agree with previous posts. The distinction is mostly for the reader @Liz_M @vivastory @Aimeesue @emilyhaldi @lele1432 5y

KT1432 @Liz_M yes exactly! That's a good analogy. 5y

Reviewsbylola I think there‘s a big difference between the two and in this case, we‘re given a brief story that is so powerful because it‘s a novella. We don‘t get bogged down by minutiae and character development, so the game itself can really stand out. 5y

batsy I've always appreciate the categorisation but mainly in terms of knowing how thick a book is going to be 😁 As a reader personally I've just felt a good book is as long as it needs to be; in some cases it needs to be a chunkster and it's effective, and in some cases like this one it's short and succinct and equally powerful. 5y

sprainedbrain @batsy I love that answer! 🙌🏻 5y

Leftcoastzen I have read books about writing where many authors say they have an idea , and when the work starts to take shape it “tells “ them if it‘s to be a novella or a longer book. 5y

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Question 4: Zweig utilized secondary narrator device for Chess Story. Was this effective for his narrative?

#NYRBbookclub

Liz_M The most chilling moment in the novella was the narrator's realization about Dr. B's pacing back and forth during the chess match. That unconscious motion perfectly capturing the inner turmoil couldn't be shown in first-person. But in other places, the narration was distancing, perhaps purposefully. ⬇ (edited) 5y

Liz_M The reader is almost forced to identify with Dr. B because we hear his story first-hand - told directly to the narrator while Czentovic's is told by a second party, summarizing newspaper articles. 5y

vivastory I agree with @Liz_M I found it very effective, especially in that you think that Czentovic will be the protagonist but it really seems like Dr B becomes the protagonist. Or, Zweig almost sets it up like a chess game with 2 principal characters. Very unusual & would have been impossible with first person. 5y

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Aimeesue Very effective. Puts Dr. B into intense focus where we see him as an individual and understand his thinking and his motive. Czentovic remains a formidable obstacle with unknown motivations. 5y

vivastory I agree @Aimeesue Czentovic's motivations are mostly unknown. Personally I didn't find this to be a weakness of the book, it strengthened my sense of Dr. B as the protagonist, even though he was introduced later. 5y

Aimeesue @vivastory Underscores the individual yearning human being/ oppressive immovable regime themes. 5y

youneverarrived Yeah, really effective. I think what @Liz_M said is spot on. We see both characters from a distance, through the narrators eyes, but can identify more with Dr. B given that he talks to the narrator and gives a first hand account of part of his life. (edited) 5y

AnneCecilie Yes, I found it very effective. When Dr B tells his story, I was really there, experiencing his trauma. 5y

Reviewsbylola I think it worked because it was a short novella with a big impact. 5y

merelybookish I was most interested in the narrator. What he reveals about himself was intriguing. 5y

batsy Yes, so effective for the reasons stated above. The tension was created in this kind of framing and Czentovic not having a psychological back story is also pretty chilling (in terms of his feelings or motivations). 5y

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Question 3: Do you think Czentovic can't play "blind" (by memory) like Dr. B because he has never been forced to? Or do you think he is physically unable to?

#NYRBbookclub

vivastory There were a few parts of Zweig's story that felt strangely relevant to issues of contemporary technology & this was one. I couldn't help but think of the old argument that reliance on technology weakens our memories. I think it's impossible to know if Czentovic would have learned to play blind, but I think there's a chance he could learn. 5y

Liz_M I thought Czentovic was depicted as a savant, unable to think abstractly to the point of barely learning to read, but brilliant at Chess. ETA: but then again, we only get his story second or third hand, so maybe the depiction is unreliable. (edited) 5y

emilyhaldi So true!! @vivastory Zweig seemed to foresee the future in that way... but I do wonder if Czentovic ever would have been able to learn the game in the same way as Dr B. Even if isolated and “forced” to focus on chess in a different way, his savant mind might not work in that same way. 🤔 5y

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Aimeesue Visualisation is partly skill, but it also biologically based. Some of us just dont have the neural connections to do it well. I sure don't. It's incredibly hard for me to imagine anything but pages of type or spaces/ rooms I know very well. And they're always static. And I'm old, so tech is not to blame. 😋 (edited) 5y

KT1432 I likened it to the ability to read music and/or play by ear. Some people struggle with learning to read music and others need sheet music because they can't play by ear. Come to think of it, I think it fits his character perfectly. Just like he could speak (because of listening and imitating since a young child) but was illiterate, he learned chess by watching and playing, but not utilizing whatever part of his brain needed to play "blind." 5y

vivastory @Aimeesue @emilyhaldi Biology is significant. I think the issue that Zweig raises about Czentovic not being able to play blind & being mocked for it, yet he is a better player is also interesting (savant vs. cultured etc) Definitely seems to be some resentment for the new underdog. 5y

AnneCecilie I don‘t think Czentovic can play blind. I know that this story is relatively old and I don‘t know what was needed to be in the elite back in the day, but today‘s players play blind. That‘s why they don‘t need to look at the table all the time. They have the game in their head and continue to play there to figure out their next moves since they plan way ahead. 5y

KT1432 @vivastory I thought that part was really interesting too! Obviously his inability to play blind can be looked at as a weakness and he was mocked for it, but he being the better player regardless I think painted a really interesting picture of human nature. Jealousy, elitism, and perhaps a dash of entitlement? (This person shouldn't be better than me because they don't have the "proper" skillset.) 5y

vivastory @lele1432 Yes, very well said! I feel like although Zweig was writing about a game, there was a lot of underlying smart commentary about sports ethics. 5y

Reviewsbylola I just figured he wasn‘t “smart” enough. Admittedly tho, I know nothing about the game of chess. I felt Czentovic was playing the game completely through instinct. Almost like his brain knew what to do without him even knowing why. 5y

batsy I don't know anything about chess 🙈 But I do think if part of it is to show how Czentovic became crazy brilliant at something without having to change his mind or perception or imagination. He was good at one thing, and thus that one thing was the only thing he cared to be good at. 5y

Suet624 @vivastory I agree with your thoughts here. 5y

Suet624 @lele1432 Yes! Elitism for sure. 5y

43 likes13 comments

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Question 2: Did you find the outcome of the chess match at the end of the novella to be satisfying? Why or why not?

#NYRBbookclub

vivastory I found it satisfying. Since Dr. B had to mentally play a game of chess due to be Czentovic's long delays between moves, he seemed like a better (if impatient) player 5y

emilyhaldi I found it satisfying! And Czentovic‘s last line made me chuckle...”For an amateur, this gentleman is really extraordinarily talented.” 😆 The final game was quite an interesting juxtaposition of the two warring minds, both brilliant in their different way. 5y

vivastory @emilyhaldi Right?! Nice way to save face Czentovic 5y

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Aimeesue Indeed. The draw and the way Czentovic ended it seemed designed to (1) deprive Dr. B of the almost-win and (2) emotionally manipulate him. Then Czentovic deliberately draws out what he can see is bothersome to Dr. B EVEN THOUGH HE DOESN'T HAVE TO, simply to inflict pain to help him win. Resonates with what authoritarian regimes/ rulers do to obtain/ keep power. 5y

youneverarrived I thought it was. At first I was kind of on Dr. B‘s side but was glad when the narrator pulled him out of it. Very well said @Aimeesue 👍 5y

Liz_M Is the ending effective? Absolutely. Satisfying? Not at all. 5y

Aimeesue @youneverarrived That was the best part! When the narrator pulled Dr. B out because WE DON'T HAVE TO PLAY that guy's game!! 5y

batsy Nicely put @Aimeesue. I like how @Liz_M worded it because I wanted the emotional satisfaction of a Dr B win but this felt more effective/realistic in terms of not having to play the game and realising one can "opt out" of having to play by others' rules, so to speak. 5y

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Question 1: Zweig was Jewish and left Austria following Hitler's rise to power. Considering the life experiences of Zweig, do you think the duel between Czentovic and Dr. B is symbolic? If so, of what?

#NYRBbookclub

vivastory I thought the introduction by Peter Gay was interesting when he mentioned that Zweig's book is about the most logical game (emphasized several times in the story) but it is set during an irrational time. 5y

Aimeesue Yep. Individual yearning human beings vs oppressive, unknowable State set on its own goals regardless of what it takes to get there. 5y

Liz_M The two chess players are so starkly opposites in many ways, I feel like they are supposed to be symbolic of something, but darned if I know what. I am tempted to read it as an allegory between populism and elitism, but doubt I can justify that within the text. 5y

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Liz_M OOoh, or what @Aimeesue said. 5y

Aimeesue @Liz_M There's definitely a populism/elitism split. Czentovic is plodding, stoic, and inscrutable, and not in a good, calm zen-like way. Dr. B is emotional and neurotic because he can see how all the permutations play out. 5y

AnneCecilie I didn‘t read the NYRB edition so my edition didn‘t have an introduction. On the inside flap it said that he committed suicide after finishing this novella and I wonder if the two players are different parts of Zweig playing out his arguments in a way. But I don‘t know if that is far fetched 5y

sprainedbrain @Aimeesue You completely summed up my feelings on the assumed symbolism of these two characters. 5y

Reviewsbylola That‘s a great question. 🤔 I didn‘t read the NYRB edition either and had absolutely no forward or intro so I don‘t have any background on Zweig. 5y

batsy I was wondering the same re: symbolism. I, like most, have heard a lot about the Third Reich in a general way but I'm sure a lot of the particularities of the historical era went over my head. That's a great point @Aimeesue and I also wonder if Czentovic is meant to convey that single-minded obsession (monomania) that is dangerous, whether in individuals or in states (fundamentalism that leads to the irrational hatred/fear of an other). 5y

Aimeesue @batsy Monomania! Exactly the word I was looking for! 5y

Suet624 @Liz_M 'Darned if I know what.“ I had to laugh at that. I felt the same way. 5y

Suet624 @batsy Love your response. Single-minded obsession is definitely dangerous and playing out even now as we speak. 5y

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Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Hello, #NYRBbookclub members! In about 10 minutes, I will start posting our discussion questions for Chess Story. Looking forward to seeing everyone‘s thoughts!

GatheringBooks, sisilia, LeahBergen, Rachel_nyc, Leftcoastzen, Reviewsbylola, emilyhaldi, youneverarrived, MicheleinPhilly, mklong, Suet624, merelybookish, saresmoore, batsy, vivastory, BarbaraBB, Liz_M, Theaelizabet

vivastory 🎉👏📚 5y

Liz_M Thank you Jenni & Scott for another fabulous read and good discussion! 👏 5y

GatheringBooks awesome! enjoy, everyone! will still follow the discussion. :) 5y

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Reviewsbylola Joining in a little late. I enjoyed this one! 5y

BarbaraBB I didn‘t make it, I‘m sorry. I forgot about is because I am on vacation. Great discussion though! 💕 5y

sprainedbrain @BarbaraBB No worries! Hope you‘re enjoying your vacation! ❤️ 5y

Rachel_nyc I forgot I was going to be away for this discussion as well but I‘m off to read the discussion now. 5y

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emilyhaldi

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

Quite a lot to think about packed into this little novella! Looking forward to hearing all of the insights from my fellow #NYRBbookclub members 🧐

Reviewsbylola I enjoyed this one a lot! 5y

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mklong

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

I‘ll save most of my thoughts on this one for our #NYRBBookClub discussion tomorrow, but for now I‘ll say that I can‘t believe how riveted I was by a chess match! Thanks for such a great nomination @sprainedbrain !!

sprainedbrain Glad you liked it! I‘m looking forward to the discussion tomorrow. 😃 5y

vivastory Looking forward to the discussion! 5y

55 likes2 comments

Leftcoastzen

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

#nyrbbookclub Even though I took advantage of the NYRB sale, I had to buy it on kindle.They were overwhelmed with orders , I probably won‘t get my shipment till next month .sigh. I was impressed the novella, the psychological drama ,the intensity of studying something intensely to stay sane that it might have the opposite effect .Oh,and what @batsy said .😉

vivastory Great review! There's a lot going on in this little book. 5y

AlaMich I‘m happy to hear that sales are booming for NYRB, even though your order is delayed. We have to keep them publishing!! 5y

Leftcoastzen @AlaMich Totally agree! 5y

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batsy Nice review! I love that there's so much going on under the surface. 5y

Centique 😂 love that final line of your review! @batsy 💕 5y

batsy @Centique @Leftcoastzen ☺️❤️ 5y

52 likes6 comments

batsy

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

A taut, gripping psychological thriller that tackles big themes with brevity. There's an almost Victorian gothic vibe in the story-within-a-story trope. I finished the book feeling a tremendous unease. There's the critique of fascism & its instruments of torture & power, but also the underlying despair about what the mind can do in a two-fold manner: save us & imprison us. An unsettling story that left me questioning so much. #nyrbbookclub

batsy @vivastory @sprainedbrain 5y

Tanisha_A That coffee looks yum! Awesome review. ❤️ 5y

Suet624 Great review. 5y

See All 19 Comments

sprainedbrain Excellent review! 5y

ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Oh wow - sounds perfect for me - stacked!! 5y

Blaire Great review!! #stacked 5y

Mdargusch Wow! Very intriguing and sounds just like a NyRB book. 5y

JazzFeathers Waiting for it in the mail 5y

mklong Oh yes, the narration definitely reminded me of Frankenstein. Glad I'm not the only one who picked up that vibe. 5y

batsy @Tanisha_A Thank you! And yes, I enjoyed that ☕❤️ 5y

batsy @Suet624 @ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled @Blaire @Mdargusch Thank you! An intriguing read; so much conveyed in a compact novella. 5y

batsy @sprainedbrain Thanks for including it in your selection! 🙂 I've had such a great time reading all of the picks so far. 5y

batsy @mklong I'm happy to hear that! That's really cool because Frankenstein came to mind for me, as well. 5y

andrew61 Great review, i read it in a day last year but feel that I now need to read it again. 5y

Leftcoastzen Nice review! 5y

vivastory What a wonderful review! This is definitely one I will be rereading. There's a lot to unpack. 5y

Cathythoughts Brilliant review... I agree , the power of the mind. At once inspiring & can be terrifying. Love this review 👍🏻♥️ 5y

batsy @andrew61 @Leftcoastzen @vivastory @Cathythoughts Thank you ❤️ It's a book I'm interested in reading straight through once again. 5y

GatheringBooks too bad i missed this one, and will miss the discussion. looking forward to reading this one next year. 5y

107 likes14 stack adds19 comments

Aimeesue

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Almost forgot to read this one before Saturday. Good thing it‘s thinly.
#nyrbbookclub

31 likes1 stack add

Liz_M

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

I'm bringing my big-boy game to Saturday's discussion. #Nyrbbookclub @vivastory

merelybookish Nice! 5y

vivastory Impressive! I've always wanted to learn. 5y

Leftcoastzen 😎 5y

24 likes3 comments

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Got some nice #bookmail! I was really hoping The Nickel Boys would have been a BOTM pick this month, but alas it was not. A Little Lumpen was Bolaño's last work published before he died, & I think I'm really going to enjoy it! I couldn't resist adding the tagged book. Hoping I can finish before this Saturday and join in on the #nyrbbookclub discussion! Also works for my #popsugarreadingchallenge #pop19 #RevolvesAroundAPuzzleOrGame #nyrb #novella

vivastory That's great book mail! I hope you can join our discussion tomorrow! 5y

29 likes1 comment

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

Zweig's gem of a novella defty handles large themes, such as political torture, obsession & fame. Utilizing secondary narrator device, we are told of the world champion of the royal game, onboard a passenger steamer. A quarter of the way through the book we are introduced to a mysterious character who in many ways ends up being the principal character. Zweig's book is an engaging entry in the subgenre of metaphysical game narratives.

vivastory #NYRBBookClub 5y

85 likes1 comment

vivastory @barbarabb @emilyhaldi @sprainedbrain @mklong @youneverarrived @LeahBergen @Leftcoastzen @Liz_M @merelybookish @MicheleinPhilly @GatheringBooks @Rachel_nyc @saresmoore @sisilia @reviewsbylola @batsy @suet624 @Theaelizabet 5y

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Hey, #NYRBBookClub I know there were already a few fans of Zweig's book & I noticed that several more have read, & loved, it. Please join my longtime Litsy friend @sprainedbrain & I next Saturday (7/27) at 1 pm CST as we discuss it!

Cathythoughts 👍🏻♥️ 5y

Suet624 💕💕👍 5y

See All 13 Comments

AbhisekBasu Please check out my bio! It'll be the scariest book you'll read this year! ☠️

Reviewsbylola I enjoyed this one! I wasn‘t expecting to. 5y

emilyhaldi I‘m saving it for this week, can‘t wait! ♟ 5y

mklong @emilyhaldi Same! Looking forward to Saturday! 5y

saresmoore 🙌 5y

GatheringBooks so sorry to miss this one and the upcoming one. 😭📚😂 5y

batsy @emilyhaldi Me too! Looking forward to reading. 5y

BarbaraBB I loved this one when I read it long ago. I‘ll follow the discussion if I can (not sure since I am travelling). 5y

vivastory @BarbaraBB I hope you can join the discussion, but I understand if you are unable to. I hope you are having a great trip!! 5y

Theaelizabet @vivastory @sprainedbrain July is my month of vacation and family visits, so unfortunately I‘ll be looking at the discussion after-the-fact. I‘m reading the book now and will offer up late thoughts if there are any of note. Thanks for keeping this club going. I do enjoy it! (edited) 5y

70 likes13 comments

Suet624

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

so-so

Hmmm... I‘m sorry to say I was a bit underwhelmed. Between a so-so and a pick. It may be because I was blown away by Disappearing Earth which I finished just before reading this one. Hoping the book discussion will help me to see what I‘m missing. #NYRBBookClub

65 likes

Rachel_nyc

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

I have never played chess so I was unsure about this book but I found it fascinating. So sad that Zweig committed suicide shortly after writing it. As always, I‘m looking forward to the discussion with the #nyrbbookclub #nyrb Unrelated photo. It‘s hot out there so if you‘re in a warm climate too make sure to get refreshments!

Cathythoughts I thought it was excellent too ... 👍🏻♥️ 5y

Rachel_nyc @Cathythoughts And very different from our previous books. It should make for I retesting discussion. 5y

vivastory I'm reading it tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it. It will definitely be a change from the prior two. 5y

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Rachel_nyc @vivastory Yes, much different but still quite good. Looking forward to discussing next week. 5y

Leftcoastzen I would kill for a Mr. Softie!😂🍦 (edited) 5y

Rachel_nyc @Leftcoastzen 🤣🤣 It is so good!! 5y

26 likes6 comments

merelybookish

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Getting a bit of #NYRBbookclub reading in before jam making. (My Mum will do the cooking. I just cut the berries.)

Cathythoughts Nice pic 👍🏻🍓🍓🍓 5y

sarahbarnes Fun!! 🍓 5y

vivastory Great pic. I hope you are having a good time! 5y

76 likes3 comments

AnneCecilie

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

A short novella/ long short story about a game of chess played between Czentovic and Dr. B. The game that really got to me is the one Dr. B. talked about playing in Austria. My edition is approximately 70 p so I don‘t want to say anything more.

On the inside flap of my edition is says that Zweig committed suicide the day after he finished this story. Maybe this can be felt throughout the story?

#NYRBBookClub

AnneCecilie In Norway there has been chess fever ever since Magnus Carlsen was ranked no 1 and won the world championship. Now he is ranging champion. Chess is actually podcasted live on TV, and before this I would have no idea what a1 and d5 etc would mean. 5y

AnneCecilie I had some issues with the translation, and that is not because it‘s bad but the language it‘s written in. In Norway we have two written languages. Yes, 5 million people can‘t agree on one language. One is based on the danish that was spoken in Norway for 500 yrs, Bokmål, and the other is based on all the dialects that are spoken, Nynorsk. Today, the only area where Nynorsk is standing strong is the west of the county and Bergen has the only paper 5y

AnneCecilie that writes in Nynorsk. So I was completely unprepared for meeting Nynorsk in this translation. The only other book I‘ve read in Nynorsk since high school was My Brilliant Friend earlier this year, but I knew that before starting. It‘s not that there a big differences, but they are there. 5y

vivastory That's really interesting about the translation. Did you like My Brilliant Friend? 5y

62 likes1 stack add4 comments

AnneCecilie

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Thought I should join in on this month‘s #NYRBBookClub.

The Norwegian transition has also included some of Zweig‘s other texts, but I think I‘ll focus on Chess Story

BarbaraBB So nice to have you joining! And I read some other novellas by Zweig and they are all really good! 💜 @sprainedbrain (edited) 5y

sprainedbrain I hope you love it! I devoured this novella. 5y

sprainedbrain @BarbaraBB have you read Amok? 5y

BarbaraBB Yes! Both Amok and Chess Story. And loved them. Next will be

Beware of Pity

(edited) 5y

AnneCecilie @BarbaraBB @sprainedbrain I really enjoy this novella, but have some issues with the translation. Your other recommendations doesn‘t seem to be in my collection. I would definitely read more by him in the future, but right now I‘m in a serious “too many books, to little time” mood. 5y

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Cathythoughts

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

Chess scares me .. but I found this book much more frightening than chess. The power of the mind & like those mirrors that reflect back & back & back .. chess & metaphor & black & white. What people go through in their minds in terrible times. I think this counts for #booked2019 #politicalintrigue A powerful book 🙏🏻🙏🏻Thankyou to the author for showing us this #NYRBbookclub #NYRB

Cinfhen, sprainedbrain, BarbaraTheBibliophage, vivastory, alisiakae

erzascarletbookgasm That was quick!! Is this a novella? I‘ve got it stacked btw 😁 5y

Cathythoughts @erzascarletbookgasm yes! It‘s a novella that I couldn‘t put down ♥️💔💔 5y

erzascarletbookgasm And now I found my book for the same prompt. Thank you! 👍😘 5y

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Cinfhen I‘ve heard this book is very good!! My aunt who is an avid reader raves about it. 5y

Cathythoughts @erzascarletbookgasm I think it works in a different sort of way ... I‘m always afraid to call it , but yes it works for me definitely ♥️ 5y

Cathythoughts @Cinfhen it‘s so powerful Cindy ! I hope you read it 5y

Billypar Nice review- stacked immediately! 5y

Cathythoughts @Billypar thanks! It will stay with me ♥️✨ 5y

LeahBergen Great review! 5y

Cathythoughts @LeahBergen thanks Leah it had a strong impression on me ... how are you going with it ? 5y

Reviewsbylola I need to start this soon. 5y

TrishB Great review👍🏻 5y

batsy Fabulous review, Cathy. I can't wait to read once my copy arrives! 5y

JazzFeathers So happy you read this review. I've been debating whether to read this. I truly enjoyed another German Expressionist story, Fraulein Else (absolutely fantastic!), so l'm sold.

Fraulein Else (Grodruck)

Cathythoughts @JazzFeathers I had resistance to this one , but so glad I read it. I hope you will too. Look forward to your thoughts & I‘ll look up the book you tagged 👍🏻♥️ 5y

Cathythoughts @batsy thanks ! Praise indeed ! I look forward to your thoughts 👍🏻😘 5y

Cathythoughts @TrishB thanks 😘 5y

Cathythoughts @Reviewsbylola I‘ll look forward to your review 👍🏻♥️ 5y

emilyhaldi Oooohh I was still working on finding a book for #politicalintrigue ! 👌🏻 5y

vivastory Wonderful review. I will be reading this in the next few days. I'm really looking forward to it. 5y

BarbaraBB Great review! 5y

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LeahBergen

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Sunday night. Let‘s see how this one starts. 😊

#NYRBBookClub
#NYRB

sprainedbrain I can‘t wait to hear what you think! 5y

catebutler This one is on my list! Looking forward to your review. 5y

Cathythoughts Nice pic 👍🏻 5y

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LeahBergen @sprainedbrain @catebutler I‘m thinking it‘s going to be a good one. 🤞🏻 5y

LeahBergen @Cathythoughts 😘😘 5y

Cathythoughts I just started reading this one... interesting , hard to put down so far 👍🏻 5y

vivastory How are you enjoying it, Leah? 5y

BarbaraBB Looking forward to your thoughts 💜 5y

TrishB Hope you‘re off buying lovely books somewhere 💕 5y

LeahBergen @TrishB I am! 😆😆 And I was also at a week-long antiquarian book seminar. 5y

TrishB Oh that sounds fab! 💕 5y

Reviewsbylola I enjoyed this one! 5y

117 likes2 stack adds12 comments

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

What an absolutely brilliant, multilayered, fascinating story! It‘s a short little novella, but there is so much going on here. I do not play chess—I have never had any desire to, and that hasn‘t changed—but I was completely riveted and involved. The tension builds and builds... better than any psychological thrillers I‘ve read recently.

Now to come up with some interesting discussion questions for #NYRBBookClub!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#1001books

vivastory Great review! I'm really looking forward to reading this one! 5y

batsy Sounds really intriguing! 5y

readordierachel Sold! 5y

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Cathythoughts Wow ! Sounds great 5y

BarbaraBB Great review. I loved this one too. So many meaning in so few words! 5y

QuintusMarcus I loved this, as I‘ve loved everything of Zweig‘s I read. Did you know he was an opera librettist for Richard Strauss? That‘s how I first became interested in the author. 5y

sprainedbrain @QuintusMarcus I did not know that! Very interesting! 5y

sisilia Yes, the intensity build-up is really good in this book... 84 pages and so much in there 🎊 5y

Cathythoughts Powerful book ... ♥️ 5y

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sisilia

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

pick

5⭐️ What a delicious novella! Zweig wrote this before he committed suicide, so I wonder if the psychological struggle he described here is what was torturing him. How far can you stretch a person before s/he snaps? No matter how resillient we are, we won‘t escape undamaged
#nyrbbookclub #nyrb #nyrbclassics

Rachel_nyc I just received notification that my library ebook is available. Looking forward to reading this! 5y

sprainedbrain Great review! 5y

sisilia @Rachel_nyc Yay, in time for the weekend 💖 5y

sisilia @sprainedbrain Thank you ☺️ 5y

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sisilia

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

Whoaaa this is good stuff! I have less than 20 pages left and I want more!
#nyrbbookclub #nyrb #nyrbclassics

Cathythoughts Interesting.. I‘m having resistance to it , this makes me want to give it a go 👍🏻 5y

sisilia @Cathythoughts It‘s totally worth a go for 84 pages 👍🏻 (edited) 5y

63 likes1 stack add2 comments

BarbaraBB

Chess Story | Stefan Zweig

No NYRB edition for me of this book. This is the Dutch edition which I read years ago because this novella is one of the #1001books to read before you die. It is a gem, you‘re in for a treat, #NYRBBookClub ♟🖤