When her mother dies in a car accident, nine-year-old Beth finds herself an orphan in a strange place, Methuen Home.  She seems to be all alone in the world, but things are about to change when she’s introduced to the game of chess by the orphanage’s janitor, Mr. Shaibel. Gruff but kind, Mr. Shaibel is reluctant to teach her but soon realizes she’s a gifted player. Still, this new-found interest does not save her from other evils, mainly the green tranquilizers she is given daily. Beth eventually grows dependent on them, something that puts her health and chess game in jeopardy.

The idea of the story is intriguing but that is all it is, an idea that falls short of its full potential. Trevis, who himself is a chess player, has an unwavering truth and realism to the game he writes about. Although it can be tedious for readers not familiar with chess, the real failure is his missed opportunity for connection with the characters. When Beth inevitably loses her first match, the story could delve deeper into the significance of this as a reflection of her self-worth and not just her embarrassment in the moment. Instead, readers view the story more as strangers looking in than as close confidantes. This is further exacerbated by sparse and generic descriptions. Despite the novel’s shortcomings, the television adaptation is a good example of a series that manages to add more to the story than was already there. The characters are nuanced and the storylines more developed. Beyond checks, checkmates, and stalemates, we are shown the humanity behind the chess pieces. In the end, both the book and the series share the same idea; that of finding purpose and belonging in the things we love and the people who share our passion.