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Book review by Natalia Pogonina: "Diary of a Chess Queen" by Alexandra Kosteniuk
Written by Natalia Pogonina
Sunday, 06 September 2009
Dear Natalia, warm regards and love to you and your family!
Alexandra Kosteniuk
An autobiography of a reigning world champion is remarkable all by itself, especially if written sincerely and from the heart. I was very happy to receive a present from Sasha Kosteniuk (see the dedicatory inscription above) her new book Diary of a Chess Queen (available for pre-order already). Traveling along the pages, one can trace the evolution of a small shy girl who sometimes had to play blitz for stakes to earn enough money for her chess trips, into a stylish and feminine chess queen, whose images are frequently seen on billboards and magazines all over the world.
Of course, Diary of a Chess Queen isnt memoirs, but rather the chronicles of formation of the Women World Chess Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk. Also, revealing all the secrets is a bit too early, thats why for now you wont find out what Sashas training schedule looks like, her nicks at chess portals, etc. However, Alexandra has already released such titles as How to become a GM at 14 and How to teach chess, so it doesnt make sense to expect her to cover all the chess issues in one volume. Relationships with chess girl friends and opponents, their characteristics, can be described in a much later book. Only an elderly age disposes to bluntly talking about things better left unsaid early in life.
The story is full of quotes from the authors diary, that allow to feel what the inner world of the chess champion is like. Exclusive pictures, some of them from the family archive, make the book even more lively and interesting. Its important to note the chess component of the book it includes 64 selected games played by Alexandra (even in blitz, rapid and Fischer chess), annotated by herself. As a great master, GM Kosteniuk shares her insights on chess and enriches the readers notion of her favorite game.
P.S. Before reading this book, make sure youve got a free evening ahead of you Diary of a Chess Queen is so exciting, that youre going to need it!
Comments (3)
1. Written by
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on 12:35 10 2009 .
I am new to your writing, Natalia, but I think this is a very good review. The point you make about what is included in the book and what is not is a very good one to make. Readers cannot expect "everything" in a book like this. I had already pre-ordered the book, but your insight makes me look forward to it all the more.
