It is! I expect it might be more difficult to watch if someone is immediately struggling with impulse control and addiction - as it's something the protagonist struggles with. It's very well layered. I didn't read the book but everything about this story makes the characters better the more you get to know them and even Beth's flaws become the lens for her strengths. There is also a few particular things about the way she plays chess that come from these layers and the show doesn't have a therapist character to explain things for the character (or the audience) ... it's all worked through without it ever being comfortable to work through.

Also. If you like Chess there is a mystery novel called The Flanders Panel by Arturo Perez Reverte that is quite good!