Playing Chess with God

 

I was given a print copy of Playing Chess with God by author Verne R. Albright for review.

Set in California's gold rush era, Albright has crafted an immensely entertaining saga of one man's quest for riches. Encouraged to seek his fortune in the California gold fields, by none other than a Chilean prostitute. he does just that. 

Our hero Henning Dietzel is a man of great personal integrity which he maintains throughout his experiences prospecting for gold. He endures highs and lows, tragedy and success, love and loss. He carries his feelings for his Chilean lover with him, longing for their reunion. He meets and becomes involved with several colorful characters along the way. 

A case could be made that there is an undercurrent of social commentary throughout the story, but I choose to read it as just confirmation of our hero's character make up. He refuses to mistreat anyone. There is some sex, more violence and adventure spanning the far western reaches of both North and South America. Characters are well realized and the descriptions of the country and the people inhabiting it are easy to picture in the mind's eye.

I particularly like the quote from which the title is taken (nope, not gonna tell ya. You have to read the book). I don't know if it is the creation of the author or a quote which can be attributed to some historic person but it is great. Fair warning to Mr. Albright: I am going to use it (but I will attribute it to your book).

An engrossing, sweeping historical novel rich with detail of the wild and tumultuous times early in our history. Should such stories appeal to you, you really need to read Playing Chess with God by Verne R. Albright. Enjoy!

Mike