“John Donoghue weaves a nonlinear masterpiece, carrying the reader back and forth from Auschwitz to the 1962 Amsterdam chess tournament. He proffers a terrifying moral landscape in which Jews are subjected to unimaginable atrocities. Yet the friendship that develops between the SS officer and the Jewish chess champion speaks to the power of forgiveness, tolerance, and compassion. Each chapter builds upon the tension created in prior chapters. For a neophyte novelist, this story is superb.” Charles S. Weinblatt, New York Journal of Books
“An ambitious debut novel that raises uneasy questions.” Financial Times
“This many-layered and labyrinthine tale, laced with irony and empathy, moves briskly from shock to shock. It is a masterfully crafted novel, each chapter named for a chess move. You don't need to know chess to be appalled, stunned, astonished by and delighted to be in the hands of such an accomplished writer.” Sam Coale, The Providence Journal
“John Donoghue does not spare the reader in this outstanding story of discovery and redemption . . . A truly impressive first novel, compelling and fast-paced.” Frank O’Shea, The Sydney Morning Herald
“Donoghue tells a compelling and unique story of hope and forgiveness . . . An amazing book; a must-read.” Historical Novel Society
“Engrossing . . . This is a story much like chess, with an opening move, a middle game, and an endgame, as it explores the themes of survival, guilt, friendship, and healing.” The Jewish Book Council
“Perceptive, and written with feeling and integrity . . .The Death's Head Chess Club has much to recommend it.” The Herald (Scotland)
“Filled with soul and emotion.” Alexis Helms, The Roanoke Times