Official Review: Playing Chess with God

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
Post Reply
User avatar
LinaMueller
Posts: 1117
Joined: 09 Jun 2019, 13:22
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 261
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-linamueller.html
Latest Review: The Wingless Fairy by Kye Strothers

Official Review: Playing Chess with God

Post by LinaMueller »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Playing Chess with God" by Verne R. Albright.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Playing Chess with God by Verne R. Albright is a historical fiction novel and what a great novel. As biased as I might be (because I love this kind of genre so much), I can't praise enough Verne's skills as a writer. I've read some historical fiction novels this year, but Playing Chess with God is a unique book.

First things first, the plot is based on real events that have happened during the period of the California Gold Rush. I mean, the book is a novel and, thus, all characters are not real. The situations that happen in the book, on the contrary, were actual events that used to be commonplace. Anarchy and the total absence of law and order were prevalent. You can find in this book (and in history books as well) not only random killings but also people in terminal conditions trying to get rich before their death. As Eduardo Vásquez said, prospecting is like playing chess with God. But the protagonist, deeply in love with a Chilean woman named Encinas, decides to take chances and go to California before everybody else.

All characters are mainly well developed. Henning Dietzel is an idealistic representation of what a hero could be. He is so perfect that sometimes the reader cannot relate to him. The main character is a puritan in the right way. He neither drinks nor smokes. When he is in love with some woman, he doesn't want to have fun with prostitutes. Throughout the entire book, he is looking for a profitable new business. His obsession with work, however, is motivated by a noble purpose not by greed. On several occasions, he mentions the "rational self-interest" from the book The Wealth of Nations written by Adam Smith. According to his mindset, a wealthy capitalist who exploits workers is a disgusting human being. In many chapters, it's clear that Henning Dietzel is more concerned with worker safety than profit.

I hated the fact that there was no relevant villain to oppose the protagonist. There are some antagonists in the book. Like the Mexicans who robbed Henning's gold, they are all easily defeated and disappear from the story in the blink of an eye. That's what I disliked the most about the book. On the other hand, the book is fascinating, and the description of the environments, customs of the time, and historical events caught my attention from beginning to end. There are many aspects to praise in this book, but the fact that Playing Chess with God is a real page-turner stands out as the most alluring element of the entire book.

In a nutshell, Playing Chess with God deserves 4 out of 4 stars. This book is gripping, funny, and well-written. Some minor flaws aside, there is no reason to give it a lower rating. It's a professionally edited book. I found some missing commas after introductory clauses and two other grammatical errors, but nothing so important in a book with almost 300 pages. I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction novels. Playing Chess with God is appropriate for people of all religions. I firmly believe that people from different cultures can equally enjoy this book.

******
Playing Chess with God
View: on Bookshelves
Heart! We will forget him!
You an I, tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.

When you have done, pray tell me
That I my thoughts may dim;
Haste! lest while you're lagging.
I may remember him!

Emily Dickinson
User avatar
rumik
Posts: 554
Joined: 21 Jun 2019, 10:37
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 32
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rumik.html
Latest Review: Agartha by Jaylee Austin

Post by rumik »

I certainly agree with Henning's views on capitalism haha. I'm not particularly interested in this setting, but your review is so good I might try this. Thanks!
User avatar
Andy_C
Posts: 77
Joined: 02 Sep 2019, 07:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 46
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-andy-c.html
Latest Review: The Biblical Clock by Daniel Friedmann and Dania Sheldon

Post by Andy_C »

Yes, nice review. I'm bothered by your reservations with regards the characterisations. As a reader, I love character, I love writing that is driven by deeply flawed yet equally deeply empathic characters. Characters you know because they are composites of people you have known in real life. To that end, I'm not sure this novel will excite me.
User avatar
Rachel Lea
Posts: 621
Joined: 25 Feb 2019, 19:29
Favorite Book: Adrift
Currently Reading: Man Mission
Bookshelf Size: 117
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rachel-lea.html
Latest Review: Serendipity Mystery: Diary of a Snoopy Cat by R.F. Kristi

Post by Rachel Lea »

I love historical fiction novels, so I think that I would enjoy digging into this book! Thanks for your review!
"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one." -- George R.R. Martin :techie-studyingbrown:
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11682
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

This sounds like historical fiction at its best. I love your enthusiasm for it. It's not a genre I read, so I'll probably skip it. Thanks.
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
Magnify3
Posts: 1109
Joined: 23 May 2019, 14:46
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 45
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-magnify3.html
Latest Review: Love, Grandma by Ann Morris

Post by Magnify3 »

I find it amusing that the Mexicans who robbed Hennings of his gold were easily defeated and disappeared in a blink of an eye. Thanks for the review!
Miller56
Posts: 504
Joined: 22 Jul 2019, 19:30
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 61
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-miller56.html
Latest Review: Nightlord: Sunset by Garon Whited

Post by Miller56 »

Thanks for the review. This doesn't really sound like a book that would interest me, not because I dislike historical novels, but because the characters seem to disappear quickly. I think I would find the descriptions of the places and time interesting. I think I will add this book to my low priority to read list.
SangeethaNarayan
Posts: 276
Joined: 21 Dec 2016, 11:11
Currently Reading: The Prophet
Bookshelf Size: 46
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sangeethanarayan.html
Latest Review: Not Fishy Enough by Briton Kolber

Post by SangeethaNarayan »

LinaMueller wrote: 17 Sep 2019, 14:01 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Playing Chess with God" by Verne R. Albright.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Playing Chess with God by Verne R. Albright is a historical fiction novel and what a great novel. As biased as I might be (because I love this kind of genre so much), I can't praise enough Verne's skills as a writer. I've read some historical fiction novels this year, but Playing Chess with God is a unique book.

First things first, the plot is based on real events that have happened during the period of the California Gold Rush. I mean, the book is a novel and, thus, all characters are not real. The situations that happen in the book, on the contrary, were actual events that used to be commonplace. Anarchy and the total absence of law and order were prevalent. You can find in this book (and in history books as well) not only random killings but also people in terminal conditions trying to get rich before their death. As Eduardo Vásquez said, prospecting is like playing chess with God. But the protagonist, deeply in love with a Chilean woman named Encinas, decides to take chances and go to California before everybody else.

All characters are mainly well developed. Henning Dietzel is an idealistic representation of what a hero could be. He is so perfect that sometimes the reader cannot relate to him. The main character is a puritan in the right way. He neither drinks nor smokes. When he is in love with some woman, he doesn't want to have fun with prostitutes. Throughout the entire book, he is looking for a profitable new business. His obsession with work, however, is motivated by a noble purpose not by greed. On several occasions, he mentions the "rational self-interest" from the book The Wealth of Nations written by Adam Smith. According to his mindset, a wealthy capitalist who exploits workers is a disgusting human being. In many chapters, it's clear that Henning Dietzel is more concerned with worker safety than profit.

I hated the fact that there was no relevant villain to oppose the protagonist. There are some antagonists in the book. Like the Mexicans who robbed Henning's gold, they are all easily defeated and disappear from the story in the blink of an eye. That's what I disliked the most about the book. On the other hand, the book is fascinating, and the description of the environments, customs of the time, and historical events caught my attention from beginning to end. There are many aspects to praise in this book, but the fact that Playing Chess with God is a real page-turner stands out as the most alluring element of the entire book.

In a nutshell, Playing Chess with God deserves 4 out of 4 stars. This book is gripping, funny, and well-written. Some minor flaws aside, there is no reason to give it a lower rating. It's a professionally edited book. I found some missing commas after introductory clauses and two other grammatical errors, but nothing so important in a book with almost 300 pages. I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction novels. Playing Chess with God is appropriate for people of all religions. I firmly believe that people from different cultures can equally enjoy this book.

******
Playing Chess with God
View: on Bookshelves
Interesting review. However, I like the characters in a book to be realistic and also a bit flawed. I also woild like to have some good antagonists as otherwise it might be boring. I think I will have to pass on this book, despite a good rating from you. Thanks for the review.
User avatar
Ekta Swarnkar
Posts: 715
Joined: 14 Apr 2019, 12:14
Favorite Book: 30th Century: Escape (General Audience Edition)
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 27
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ekta-swarnkar.html
Latest Review: The Fox by M. N. J. Butler

Post by Ekta Swarnkar »

After seeing the title I was like "Now, that's challenging!"
But the book in a historical genre is something interesting. I can imagine why you enjoyed the book. I'm also the biggest fan of the genre until it's interesting. Thank you so much for this informative review!
You live your dreams in the characters of the books you read. :techie-studyingbrown:
User avatar
Erin Painter Baker
Posts: 1810
Joined: 21 May 2019, 17:00
Favorite Book: Among Others
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 87
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-esp1975.html
Latest Review: Luke and Luka: Genius Kid Heroes by A.D. Largie

Post by Erin Painter Baker »

Set in the time of the California Gold Rush does make it a little more interesting to me. It sounds like it is more a "slice of life" novel than a plot driven one, which I do not mind at all. I will have to keep an eye out for this one.
User avatar
Lisa A Rayburn
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 2977
Joined: 09 May 2018, 07:34
Currently Reading: Fluff Dragon
Bookshelf Size: 267
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lisa-a-rayburn.html
Latest Review: Nightlord: Sunset by Garon Whited
Reading Device: B018QAYM7C

Post by Lisa A Rayburn »

Historical fiction isn't really my bailiwick, but it sounds like this book has the right mix of history and fictional narrative to appeal to those who do read the genre! I enjoyed reading your review!
kdstrack
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 6473
Joined: 10 May 2017, 19:49
Currently Reading: The Savior
Bookshelf Size: 530
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kdstrack.html
Latest Review: How To Be Successful by M. Curtis McCoy

Post by kdstrack »

Your enthusiasm and high praise for this book is contagious. I appreciate your background with other historical fiction novels and your comparisons with other books in this genre. This looks like a fascinating read. Thanks for the great review.
User avatar
LinaMueller
Posts: 1117
Joined: 09 Jun 2019, 13:22
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 261
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-linamueller.html
Latest Review: The Wingless Fairy by Kye Strothers

Post by LinaMueller »

rumik wrote: 19 Sep 2019, 12:43 I certainly agree with Henning's views on capitalism haha. I'm not particularly interested in this setting, but your review is so good I might try this. Thanks!
I agree with him as well, rumik. Capitalism has helped speed up technological advancement in the world. The Industrial Revolution, for instance, made possible the survival of countless millions of people. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who exploit workers. Some rich people should read Adam Smith more carefully. Thanks for passing by. :tiphat: :tiphat:
Heart! We will forget him!
You an I, tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.

When you have done, pray tell me
That I my thoughts may dim;
Haste! lest while you're lagging.
I may remember him!

Emily Dickinson
User avatar
LinaMueller
Posts: 1117
Joined: 09 Jun 2019, 13:22
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 261
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-linamueller.html
Latest Review: The Wingless Fairy by Kye Strothers

Post by LinaMueller »

Andy_C wrote: 19 Sep 2019, 12:52 Yes, nice review. I'm bothered by your reservations with regards the characterisations. As a reader, I love character, I love writing that is driven by deeply flawed yet equally deeply empathic characters. Characters you know because they are composites of people you have known in real life. To that end, I'm not sure this novel will excite me.
You're right. I have to read The Wrath of God. Considering that the main character was always traveling to other countries, maybe it was impossible for Verne R. Albright to create an omnipresent villain in this novel. Anyway, if you like historical fiction novels Playing Chess with God is a fantastic book. You will enjoy it. Thanks for passing by, Andy. :tiphat:
Heart! We will forget him!
You an I, tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.

When you have done, pray tell me
That I my thoughts may dim;
Haste! lest while you're lagging.
I may remember him!

Emily Dickinson
User avatar
LinaMueller
Posts: 1117
Joined: 09 Jun 2019, 13:22
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 261
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-linamueller.html
Latest Review: The Wingless Fairy by Kye Strothers

Post by LinaMueller »

Rachel Lea wrote: 19 Sep 2019, 17:41 I love historical fiction novels, so I think that I would enjoy digging into this book! Thanks for your review!
Playing Chess with God is the best historical fiction novel I've read in many years. If you love historical fiction novels, you will definitely enjoy digging into this book. Thanks for passing by, Rachel. I deeply appreciate your post. :tiphat:
Heart! We will forget him!
You an I, tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave,
I will forget the light.

When you have done, pray tell me
That I my thoughts may dim;
Haste! lest while you're lagging.
I may remember him!

Emily Dickinson
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”