fionab_16's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
crowyhead's review against another edition
3.0
This is a strange and magical novel. In the midst of the Boer War, the elderly Dr. Uyterhoeven leaves his comfortable home and chess garden in Dayton, Ohio, to offer his services as a doctor in South Africa. During his travels, he writes a series of letters to his wife and the children back in Dayton, detailing his adventures in the magical Antipodes, which are populated by game pieces. The letters are intercut with a narrative describing Uterhoeven's life, as well as events in Dayton while the patrons of the chess garden wait for the next letter.
I truly enjoyed this, although in the end I was left feeling somewhat like there was an allegory I was missing out on.
I truly enjoyed this, although in the end I was left feeling somewhat like there was an allegory I was missing out on.
kelsea's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
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