Picture a Southern storyteller who turned chess moves into a gripping tale of survival—meet Gabriella Saab! This Alabama-based historical fiction novelist burst onto the scene with her 2021 debut, The Last Checkmate, a heart-pounding story set in Auschwitz. With a knack for blending meticulous research with vivid human resilience, Saab’s narratives pull readers into the heart of history’s darkest moments.
Born of Lebanese heritage and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Saab’s unique perspective infuses her work with depth and authenticity. Her journey from marketing graduate to celebrated author is as inspiring as the characters she crafts, proving that passion and perseverance can rewrite any playbook.
The Making of Gabriella Saab
Gabriella Saab grew up in Mobile, Alabama, after her family moved from Madison, Mississippi, when she was young. A graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in marketing, Saab initially seemed destined for a corporate path. Yet, her love for storytelling, sparked by childhood favorites like Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars, steered her toward writing. Her background in ballet with Mobile Ballet added a layer of discipline and grace to her creative process, while her fascination with World War II history fueled her narrative fire. Saab’s leap into authorship was bold—she wrote her debut novel’s first draft in just six months, a feat that stunned the publishing world.
Gabriella Saab’s Unforgettable Stories
Saab’s debut, The Last Checkmate, is a tour de force of historical fiction, blending chess with the harrowing realities of Auschwitz. The story follows Maria, a young Polish resistance worker who plays chess to survive, weaving a tale of courage and revenge. Inspired by true stories of the Polish resistance and the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz, Saab’s research—including visits to Warsaw and Auschwitz—grounds the novel in haunting authenticity.
Her second novel, Daughters of Victory, released in 2023, spans the Russian Revolution to the Nazi occupation of the Soviet Union. It explores two women’s intertwined fates, showcasing Saab’s ability to craft resilient female characters against sweeping historical backdrops. Her upcoming project, a post-WWII story about Lebanese Americans in the South, promises to blend personal heritage with historical depth. Saab’s style is immersive, balancing raw emotion with hope, and her themes of resilience and human connection resonate deeply.
Saab’s writing process is as strategic as a chess game. She starts with a historical nugget, builds complex characters, and edits ruthlessly, ensuring every detail serves the story. Her ability to portray the horrors of history without sensationalism has earned praise from readers and critics alike.
Why Gabriella Saab Matters
Gabriella Saab’s rapid rise—securing a book deal with HarperCollins’ William Morrow imprint within two years of her first draft—marks her as a standout in historical fiction. Her novels illuminate lesser-known aspects of history, like the Polish resistance or Soviet struggles, giving voice to the unsung. Polish reviewers have lauded her for honoring their nation’s sacrifices, while readers worldwide connect with her stories of hope amid darkness. Saab’s work reminds us that even in history’s bleakest moments, the human spirit can triumph.
- Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama
- Key Works: The Last Checkmate (2021), Daughters of Victory (2023)
- Influences: Kate Quinn, Ariel Lawhon
- Fun Fact: Saab is a barre instructor and co-hosts @hfchitchat on Twitter.
Snag The Last Checkmate and dive into Gabriella Saab’s gripping historical fiction! Her stories will leave you inspired, moved, and ready for her next move.