The World Played Chess

A Novel

By: Robert Dugoni

Narrated by: Robert Dugoni, Todd Haberkorn

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

“A fearless and sensitive coming-of-age story. I loved it.”—Mark Sullivan, bestselling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Last Green Valley.

Bestselling author Robert Dugoni returns with an emotionally arresting follow-up to The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell.

In 1979, Vincent Bianco has just graduated high school. His only desire: collect a little beer money and enjoy his final summer before college. So he lands a job as a laborer on a construction crew. Working alongside two Vietnam vets, one suffering from PTSD, Vincent gets the education of a lifetime. Now forty years later, with his own son leaving for college, the lessons of that summer—Vincent’s last taste of innocence and first taste of real life—dramatically unfold in a novel about breaking away, shaping a life, and seeking one’s own destiny.

©2021 by La Mesa Fiction, LLC. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“With his usual narrative mastery, Dugoni takes on the often-overlooked ordeal of boys becoming men and does so fearlessly and sensitively, chronicling the coming-of-age stories of three different men linked by war, friendship, and family. I loved it.” (Mark Sullivan, best-selling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Last Green Valley)

“A riveting story of boys becoming men and the risks they take along the way.” (Library Journal)

“The World Played Chess is a shining example of a writer at the top of his game, and a deeply thought-provoking take on a man’s coming of age.” (Authorlink)

“Wondrously brilliant and poignant.... While not a Vietnam novel per se, the book resembles Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried and Philip Caputo’s A Rumor of War in its sheer emotional resonance. Dugoni, though, seems to be channeling the lyrical storytelling magic of the great Pat Conroy more. The World Played Chess is this generation’s The Prince of Tides and a candidate for best novel of 2021.” (Jon Land, Providence Journal)

Read This Book!

First of all, I ordered The World Played Chess knowing nothing about it other than that it was written by Robert Dugoni. It transported me back to a time when I watched the news and worried about my brothers and friends being drafted and sent to Vietnam. It took me to places where I have lived or spent time in, and it elicited a range of emotions along with many tears. I feel like I've gained a better understanding of what our soldiers experienced both during and after that war. Thank you Mr. Dugoni, for a beautifully written story which intertwines the very important subjects of what war does to people, boys growing up to be men...and SO much more. I work during the day and read before bed. It's now after 2:00 am and I must get some sleep as I couldn't put this down!

AMAZING!!!

Fantastic book! The characters will stay with me for a long time! Great gift book!

A Wonderful perspective of the coming of age over several decades.

This book was heartfelt and brought back memories of a time when every young man in America feared this horrible war. Graduating high school in the late 70’s, it gave me a flood of memories from that time. And, being a mom of children seeking to find their way in the world today it gave me understanding of issues I did not have to relate to growing up.

Well written, an enjoyable read!

Fabulous & Heartwarming

Such a beautifully written novel. 3 stories seamlessly told. An excellent novel to read. Amazing!

great book

Great book I've never read anything about the veterans or Vietnam this was practically my first book but is not my first book by Robert Dugoni.

I really enjoy getting to know more of the characters and the story and also the things many of the Vets go through after what they saw in Vietnam, this wasn't an easy read but it was very good.

Vincent’s story starts in the late '70s after he graduated from high school where he meets two Vietnam vets while working in construction, Vicent didn't know his life was about to change forever after he starts to learn more about life and the experiences these Vets had.

The world played chess spans between past and present, it is the story of William, Vincent, and Beau, Vincent’s son. after receiving Williams's journal with every detail about what they went through during the war in Vietnam the life of Beau won't ever be the same.

I enjoyed reading the parts where Beau learns more about William's story. not only do we get to learn the terrible things William went through but also do we get to see Beau growing and learning more about life.

the narrations by Robert Dugoni and todd Haberkorn where great I really enjoy it

A highly emotional, heartbreaking, very enjoyable journey. I really enjoyed so much the world played chess especially learning more about the Vets and the things they had to endure.

My thoughts

very well written. Brought me back to what I experienced, not in Vietnam, but in life. I lost friends while on active duty, but did not see them the way this book described. Being a veteran, I appreciate all the sacrifices made before my service time. I am forever grateful.

Dugoni Never Fails to Deliver

As my title says, Dugoni never fails to deliver. This novel provoked so many emotions. As a product of the Vietnam era, this book brought back so many memories. There several times during the reading that tears fell from my eyes. I definitely recommend the book.

An amazing story of boys transitioning into men.

Loved this from start to finish. I know little about the war in Vietnam other than the futility and terrible loss endured by America's young men. The first hand account through a journal was riveting and tragic. So many men killed or maimed.
The subsequent stories of 2 18 year olds here in the United States were equally riveting and told with a 20/20 clarity.
I have never heard of this author but I applaud him for his wonderful story and hope to find more novels by this eloquent writer.

So many lessons to learn

I just texted my grown children with children, that they must read/listen this. Another fabulous,can’t put down, book by Robt Dugoni

Omg! So so good!!

Only Robert Dugani could write a book on such a serious topic with so much humor and compassion. Loved it!!