"Chess Story," also recognized as "The Royal Game," stands as the crowning accomplishment of Austrian maestro Stefan Zweig. Crafted during his Brazilian exile and dispatched to his American publisher mere days prior to his tragic suicide in 1942, this work occupies a unique space. Notably, it is the solitary tale in which Zweig scrutinizes Nazism, employing his signature focus on the psychological dimension.
Commencing their voyage from New York to Buenos Aires, passengers on a ship discover the presence of the reigning world chess champion, a man marked by arrogance and aloofness. Captivated by the challenge, they assemble to test their skills against this formidable adversary, only to suffer decisive defeat. The unfolding narrative takes an unexpected turn as an enigmatic passenger steps into the fray, offering guidance that miraculously transforms their fortunes. This person's mysterious prowess in chess raises questions about the source of this expertise and the personal sacrifices it exacted—cornerstones of Zweig's tale.
