I’ve heard of the insanity that is the book, but somehow missed the years-long chess games. I’m even more afraid to read it now haha.

I believe this is one clear case where visual media has the upper hand over the story, as when we can see it happen it becomes somehow less unlikely than merely reading about it, because the “proof” is visible right there (though this might be because I don’t have a mind visual when reading, it’s fully an emotional and mental experience).

Also the lack of communicating with space apes…