The Chelsea Girls
A Novel
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4.2 • 361 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
The bright lights of the theater district, the glamour and danger of 1950s New York, and the wild scene at the iconic Chelsea Hotel come together in a dazzling new novel about a twenty-year friendship that will irrevocably change two women's lives—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue.
From the dramatic redbrick facade to the sweeping staircase dripping with art, the Chelsea Hotel has long been New York City's creative oasis for the many artists, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and poets who have called it home—a scene playwright Hazel Riley and actress Maxine Mead are determined to use to their advantage. Yet they soon discover that the greatest obstacle to putting up a show on Broadway has nothing to do with their art, and everything to do with politics. A Red Scare is sweeping across America, and Senator Joseph McCarthy has started a witch hunt for communists, with those in the entertainment industry in the crosshairs. As the pressure builds to name names, it is more than Hazel and Maxine's Broadway dreams that may suffer as they grapple with the terrible consequences, but also their livelihood, their friendship, and even their freedom.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The strong friendship between two women who meet performing in USO shows during WWII is tested as the country descends into McCarthy-era madness in the solid latest from Davis (The Masterpiece). Hazel Ripley is a perennial understudy, pushed into performance by a mother who is grieving Hazel's brother, a talented actor who died during the war. When Hazel joins the USO tour as the maid in Blythe Spirit, she initially dislikes star Maxine Mead, but as the women endure a sideline view to the horrors of war, they find that they are a good team, with Maxine acting and Hazel writing. After the war, they meet again in New York City when both are living at the Chelsea Hotel. Maxine has become a rising Hollywood starlet, and Hazel is staging her first play on Broadway. Soon the Red Scare consumes the nation, and Hazel is flagged as a possible communist and threatened with being blacklisted due to her association with Chelsea Hotel proprietor Lavinia Smarts. Maxine and Hazel are fearful their newly found community might be broken apart when they find mysterious men investigating the building. As a government agent appears to monitor rehearsals, Hazel is irritated but remains confident there's nothing to be found. However, as the production nears opening night, Hazel worries her confidence could be misplaced. Featuring vibrant, witty characters who not only weather but thrive in a dark period of American history, Davis's tale of one friendship's strength will stun and satisfy readers.
Customer Reviews
How the McCarthy Era is being Echoed Today
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a very ugly time in America’s history and we are seeing similarities in our country today.
We’ll done.
Historical Suspense Romance Fiction
The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis is Historical Fiction with romance, spies, intrigue, politics, suspense, friendship and betrayal. The story starts out in World War II with American‘s fighting the national socialists of Germany. The story continues into the 1950‘s with the fight against the communist socialists from Russia stealing our technological secrets. It ends in the late 1960‘s with the effect on the characters lives caused by the socialist spies, the overzealous prosecution by the anti-socialists and by each person manipulating others to accomplish what they desire. I enjoyed the book especially because of all the historical information. At first the story seemed to be a slow starter but then the action started revealing more with each intriguing plot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.
It was ok
Might just be a matter of personal taste. The story started off kind of wobbly. It did get better and became more interesting as the story went on.