Endgame

Starred review from May 2, 2011
This biography of the rise and fall of chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer makes for addictive listening, thanks in large part to Ray Porter's outstanding narration. As a boy, Fischer distinguished himself as a prodigy, winning multiple chess championships, battling Soviet players at the height of the cold war, and catapulting himself to international fame. His later years, however, were marked by controversy, paranoia, and possible mental illness. Porter handles Russian accents with aplomb and builds tension by modulating cadence throughout. His steady, intimate narration brings the intricacies and drama of competitive chess to lifeâas well as Fisher's prodigious drive and obscure motivations. A Crown hardcover.

As a child, Bobby Fischer became obsessed with the game of chess, keeping company with talented players and playing daily to improve his game. He devoured books about strategy and descriptions of illustrious matches. As his fame grew after notable wins, so did his arrogance and chutzpah. The London DAILY MAIL wrote, "[Fischer] is the most ill-mannered, temperamental and neurotic brat ever to be reared in Brooklyn." Bobby played aggressive tennis, swam, and had a lukewarm interest in women. Ray Porter narrates with a strong and forceful voice. He uses short pauses between words to emphasize the author's points. Pronouncing the abundant Russian and Hungarian names with comfort, he lends a welcome authenticity to an introspective biography. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

June 15, 2011

Chess legend Bobby Fischer, whose unprecedented affinity for the game captured public attention as much as did his difficult behavior and anti-Semitic and anti-American rants in later life, died in Iceland in 2008. Fischer friend Brady presents his second biography of the Grandmaster, following the best seller Profile of a Prodigy (1965), using new documentation and interviews to give listeners a clearer view of the champion's sad and controversial life. Actor/Audie Award nominee Ray Porter's well-paced performance adds dimension to this fascinating and enlightening account of a brilliant man with a very dark side. Recommended for chess devotees and anyone who appreciates a fine biography. ["Recommended not just for chess enthusiasts but for anyone interested in the compelling life of a complex, enigmatic American icon," read the review of the Crown hc, LJ 2/15/11; the Broadway pb will publish in January 2012.--Ed.]--Barbara Valle, El Paso P.L., TX

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