his ultimate masterpiece

Is this a long story? Is it a short novel? Everyone is free to decide ... In any case, this big hundred pages is a miracle in the stunning work of Stefan Zweig. Being German mark, alas, it is in French that I read this text, but when an author is sailing at high altitude, is it necessary to say that his genius transcends the translation? Ah, what happiness than to abandon at the glittering prose of finesse and intelligence! As this is artfully crafted and brilliantly narrated ...

As often with Zweig, the plot here crystallizes around a location, a few characters, emphasizing the vicissitudes psychology. We are on a ship from New York to Buenos Aires. On board, a distinguished guest Mirko Czentovic, world champion of chess. A prodigy unfortunately coupled with an arrogant and ignorant slob. During the crossing, some passengers said Czentovic can convince to play with them. Parties obviously one-sided! Until a mysterious stranger comes to mind the case and dares to stand up to the world champion ... But who is this curious traveler? Where does his exceptional talent for chess? And why does it show if booked? These questions will find their answers in these pages ...

It was in the last months of his life, in 1942, Zweig wrote that this dazzling text and I do not think I am right in saying that there reached the heights of his art. Anyway, I personally put this story at the forefront of his work. Formally gorgeous, sumptuously told, this story is a genuine emotion and subtlety gem. No need, to appreciate, to love chess, not even knowing how to play it. Just be sensitive and responsive to the beautiful literature, that which touches the soul as much as she hugged the heart.