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The Chelsea Girls
From Fiona Davis, the nationally bestselling author of The Dollhouse and The Address, 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 the twenty-year friendship that will irrevocably change two women's lives.
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.
Spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s, The Chelsea Girls deftly pulls back the curtain on the desperate political pressures of McCarthyism, the complicated bonds of female friendship, and the siren call of the uninhibited Chelsea Hotel.
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.
Spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s, The Chelsea Girls deftly pulls back the curtain on the desperate political pressures of McCarthyism, the complicated bonds of female friendship, and the siren call of the uninhibited Chelsea Hotel.
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First published July 30, 2019
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About the author
Fiona Davis
13 books9,204 followersFiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of several historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Oprah magazine.
She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.
She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,978 reviews
August 15, 2019
I finally read my first book by Fiona Davis, and I absolutely loved it.
The Chelsea Hotel in the 1940s and 50s New York is the hotspot for all the creatives in the city. Artists, musicians, poets, filmmakers; they are all here.
Maxine Mead, an actress, and Hazel Riley, a playwright, plan to use the Chelsea to get the ball rolling for their careers. They soon find, however, that making a Broadway show isn’t just about who you know; it’s about politics.
With fear over communism as its backdrop, Senator McCarthy is on the hunt for entertainers he thinks would naturally be Communists. It’s starting to get ugly. There is pressure to finger point. Hazel and Maxine may not make their Broadway show, but they may lose a lot more than that, meaning their freedom.
My favorite thing about this book? I loved how the Chelsea became a character. It represented total freedom and complete creativity, the perfect place for creatives to congregate and be inspired. I loved Maxine and Hazel’s genuine friendship, and the take on McCarthyism and entertainers was both upsetting and fascinating. The whole acting scene was glamorous and fun to watch.
Fiona Davis does a remarkable job drawing authentic, believable characters and making them relatable.
Overall, The Chelsea Girls is a beautiful story of complex friendship, during a time period filled with strife and uncertainty.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
The Chelsea Hotel in the 1940s and 50s New York is the hotspot for all the creatives in the city. Artists, musicians, poets, filmmakers; they are all here.
Maxine Mead, an actress, and Hazel Riley, a playwright, plan to use the Chelsea to get the ball rolling for their careers. They soon find, however, that making a Broadway show isn’t just about who you know; it’s about politics.
With fear over communism as its backdrop, Senator McCarthy is on the hunt for entertainers he thinks would naturally be Communists. It’s starting to get ugly. There is pressure to finger point. Hazel and Maxine may not make their Broadway show, but they may lose a lot more than that, meaning their freedom.
My favorite thing about this book? I loved how the Chelsea became a character. It represented total freedom and complete creativity, the perfect place for creatives to congregate and be inspired. I loved Maxine and Hazel’s genuine friendship, and the take on McCarthyism and entertainers was both upsetting and fascinating. The whole acting scene was glamorous and fun to watch.
Fiona Davis does a remarkable job drawing authentic, believable characters and making them relatable.
Overall, The Chelsea Girls is a beautiful story of complex friendship, during a time period filled with strife and uncertainty.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
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March 22, 2021This one had a bit of a different feel than the author's other books, but I liked it. The story is centered around the era of McCarthyism which I knew the very basic history of before reading this book. I'm now feeling motivated to seek out other historical fiction or nonfiction books exploring the topic. To me that's always a sign of a good historical fiction book when the author is able to get you interested enough to want to learn more.
It's the 1940s and Hazel Riley and Maxine Mead meet while performing for the troops overseas. After the war Hazel struggles to make it as an actress in New York while Maxine is more successful in Hollywood. Years later the two reunite when Hazel is hoping to put the play she wrote on a Broadway stage. In the 1950s Senator Joseph McCarthy was on his witch hunt against communism and the entertainment industry certainly got caught up in the middle of it. The pressure was intense to name names and Hazel and Maxine's friendship is going to be put to the test.
I've read all four of the author's books and with her other books it has always felt like she picked a setting first and then built the story around that. And I'm not saying that as a negative thing because I have enjoyed all of her books. For this book she picked The Chelsea Hotel as the location but in my opinion its more like a backdrop rather than actually feeling like an extra character in the story. And I'll admit that was slightly disappointing because I have always enjoyed what the different buildings and landmarks have brought to the story.
I'm sure I'm not the only reader who thought there were some interesting parallels to the story and the current political climate. I'm assuming that's partly why the author chose to write this book. While Hazel and Maxine might not have existed in real life, I did feel like they helped guide the story along and give a realistic view of what was going on in the entertainment industry during that time period.
There's so much darkness to the story but it feels natural because it was a dark period in U.S. history. I recommend reading this one especially if you have enjoyed other books by the author. And on a completely unrelated note, I love the hardback cover for this one. Gotta give a shoutout to the person who designed it on a job well done!
It's the 1940s and Hazel Riley and Maxine Mead meet while performing for the troops overseas. After the war Hazel struggles to make it as an actress in New York while Maxine is more successful in Hollywood. Years later the two reunite when Hazel is hoping to put the play she wrote on a Broadway stage. In the 1950s Senator Joseph McCarthy was on his witch hunt against communism and the entertainment industry certainly got caught up in the middle of it. The pressure was intense to name names and Hazel and Maxine's friendship is going to be put to the test.
I've read all four of the author's books and with her other books it has always felt like she picked a setting first and then built the story around that. And I'm not saying that as a negative thing because I have enjoyed all of her books. For this book she picked The Chelsea Hotel as the location but in my opinion its more like a backdrop rather than actually feeling like an extra character in the story. And I'll admit that was slightly disappointing because I have always enjoyed what the different buildings and landmarks have brought to the story.
I'm sure I'm not the only reader who thought there were some interesting parallels to the story and the current political climate. I'm assuming that's partly why the author chose to write this book. While Hazel and Maxine might not have existed in real life, I did feel like they helped guide the story along and give a realistic view of what was going on in the entertainment industry during that time period.
There's so much darkness to the story but it feels natural because it was a dark period in U.S. history. I recommend reading this one especially if you have enjoyed other books by the author. And on a completely unrelated note, I love the hardback cover for this one. Gotta give a shoutout to the person who designed it on a job well done!
March 24, 2019
A haven for artists, musicians, writers, and actors, the iconic Chelsea Hotel provides the backdrop for this fictional account of friendship and McCarthyism. The main characters meet in Naples as USO entertainers during 1945. Their friendship continues into the 1960’s. One becomes a famous movie star while the other becomes a playwright and, at times, both live at the Chelsea. During the Cold War, people in the entertainment suffered blacklisting, unfair allegations and investigations leading to imprisonment, lost livelihoods, ruined careers and some suicides. How does a friendship survive this sort of persecution?
March 2, 2022
The thing that I always liked most about reading a book by Fiona Davis was that she always chose to write about a well known New York City iconic landmark and somehow allowed it to play a central role in her book. In The Chelsea Girls, Fiona Davis chose The Chelsea Hotel for that role. Fiona Davis was able to properly portray the glitz and glamour of the ionic Chelsea Hotel during the 1940’s, 1950’s and through the turbulent hippie years of the 1960’s. A good part of The Chelsea Girls took place during the McCarthy era of the 1950’s. The Chelsea Girls was a fast paced and suspenseful novel. It was expertly plotted and presented in three distinct acts. I listened to the audiobook that was performed exquisitely by Kirsten Potter and Hillary Huber. The characters were witty and vibrant and just complex enough to be believable. The storyline alternated between the two central characters.
Hazel Riley had grown up in a family of actors. Since birth it was expected that she would follow in the footsteps of both her father and brother. Her mother had always taken on the role of their manager. The problem was that Hazel was not as talented in acting as her famous father and well known brother. The best Hazel was able to achieve was the role of understudy. Hazel’s brother had been called upon to serve in World War II and was killed during a battle. Hazel wanted to do her part for the war as well so she applied to be be an entertainer in the USO in Italy. Much to Hazel’s mother’s chagrin and Hazel’s delight she was offered a spot and set off for Naples, Italy as soon as she had gotten word. It was in Naples, Italy in the USO that Hazel met Maxine Mead. The two were wary of each other initially but soon forged a friendship that would endure for 23 years. Together, Hazel and Maxine, witnessed an encounter between an angry crowd and two young boys one day. That incident served as the catalyst that would cement their friendship, helped them recognize redeeming and impressive qualities in each other and guided their careers. Each woman had her own secrets but despite the secrets they came to be good friends.
During the decades of the 1940’s and 1950’s, The Chelsea Hotel became a refuge for all types of artists. Hazel followed suit when she found her calling as a playwright. Her mother had gotten more controlling and verbally abusive over the years. Hazel had to get away from her controlling mother. She moved into a suite of rooms in The Chelsea Hotel. The occupants of The Chelsea Hotel became her new family. Hazel’s play was good and soon found its way to Broadway. Maxine and Hazel had lost touch over the years but just as Hazel’s play was gaining momentum and attention, Maxine found herself back in New York. Maxine, a famous actress now in Hollywood, would be offered the leading role in Hazel’s play.
The background theme for The Chelsea Girls centered around a very dark period in America’s history known as the McCarthy Era. This time period caused devastating consequences for artists, actors, actresses and anyone believed to be a Communist sympathizer. Many lives and careers were ruined as those in charge went on vicious witch hunts. The people on these committees stopped at nothing to show their power and often accused innocent victims with little to no proof. This time period was also referred as the Red Scare. The theater district was the targeted scapegoat in this novel. Fiona Davis’s research for The Chelsea Girls was stellar. She was able to depict the fear, frustrations and betrayal felt as a result of these outrageous accusations.
The Chelsea Girls was about friendship, loyalty, ambition, love, courage, betrayal and dangerous secrets. It was a compelling historical fiction novel with an engrossing storyline. The plot twist near the end was so unexpected but brilliant at at the same time. I highly recommend this book.
Hazel Riley had grown up in a family of actors. Since birth it was expected that she would follow in the footsteps of both her father and brother. Her mother had always taken on the role of their manager. The problem was that Hazel was not as talented in acting as her famous father and well known brother. The best Hazel was able to achieve was the role of understudy. Hazel’s brother had been called upon to serve in World War II and was killed during a battle. Hazel wanted to do her part for the war as well so she applied to be be an entertainer in the USO in Italy. Much to Hazel’s mother’s chagrin and Hazel’s delight she was offered a spot and set off for Naples, Italy as soon as she had gotten word. It was in Naples, Italy in the USO that Hazel met Maxine Mead. The two were wary of each other initially but soon forged a friendship that would endure for 23 years. Together, Hazel and Maxine, witnessed an encounter between an angry crowd and two young boys one day. That incident served as the catalyst that would cement their friendship, helped them recognize redeeming and impressive qualities in each other and guided their careers. Each woman had her own secrets but despite the secrets they came to be good friends.
During the decades of the 1940’s and 1950’s, The Chelsea Hotel became a refuge for all types of artists. Hazel followed suit when she found her calling as a playwright. Her mother had gotten more controlling and verbally abusive over the years. Hazel had to get away from her controlling mother. She moved into a suite of rooms in The Chelsea Hotel. The occupants of The Chelsea Hotel became her new family. Hazel’s play was good and soon found its way to Broadway. Maxine and Hazel had lost touch over the years but just as Hazel’s play was gaining momentum and attention, Maxine found herself back in New York. Maxine, a famous actress now in Hollywood, would be offered the leading role in Hazel’s play.
The background theme for The Chelsea Girls centered around a very dark period in America’s history known as the McCarthy Era. This time period caused devastating consequences for artists, actors, actresses and anyone believed to be a Communist sympathizer. Many lives and careers were ruined as those in charge went on vicious witch hunts. The people on these committees stopped at nothing to show their power and often accused innocent victims with little to no proof. This time period was also referred as the Red Scare. The theater district was the targeted scapegoat in this novel. Fiona Davis’s research for The Chelsea Girls was stellar. She was able to depict the fear, frustrations and betrayal felt as a result of these outrageous accusations.
The Chelsea Girls was about friendship, loyalty, ambition, love, courage, betrayal and dangerous secrets. It was a compelling historical fiction novel with an engrossing storyline. The plot twist near the end was so unexpected but brilliant at at the same time. I highly recommend this book.
May 28, 2019
Hazel Ripley left her unfulfilling career as a constant understudy to join the USO Tour during World War II. Her new job takes her to the Old World where she meets Maxine Mead, a vivacious and outspoken actress. The two women bond over their love of theater and mutual formative experiences in Italy.
Their friendship endures beyond their stint abroad; the two cross paths again at the iconic Chelsea Hotel - a haven for artists and creators - in the 1950s. Hazel catches a break as a playwright, and Maxine returns as a Hollywood starlet. But as the era of McCarthyism and blacklisting of the entertainment industry develops, Hazel and Maxine find themselves caught in the cross-fire. As the pressure builds, Hazel and Maxine face life-changing decisions about loyalty, morality, and freedom, all of which unfold before the Victorian facade of the Chelsea Hotel. Will the hunt for communists break these women apart?
Fiona Davis, the bestselling author of The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Masterpiece, crafts another exciting narrative rich in historical detail and unexpected twists. The Chelsea Girls shines a light on the glamour of the theater world and the power of standing up for creative freedom. This is a perfect read for lovers of historical fiction, theater, and New York City.
Their friendship endures beyond their stint abroad; the two cross paths again at the iconic Chelsea Hotel - a haven for artists and creators - in the 1950s. Hazel catches a break as a playwright, and Maxine returns as a Hollywood starlet. But as the era of McCarthyism and blacklisting of the entertainment industry develops, Hazel and Maxine find themselves caught in the cross-fire. As the pressure builds, Hazel and Maxine face life-changing decisions about loyalty, morality, and freedom, all of which unfold before the Victorian facade of the Chelsea Hotel. Will the hunt for communists break these women apart?
Fiona Davis, the bestselling author of The Dollhouse, The Address, and The Masterpiece, crafts another exciting narrative rich in historical detail and unexpected twists. The Chelsea Girls shines a light on the glamour of the theater world and the power of standing up for creative freedom. This is a perfect read for lovers of historical fiction, theater, and New York City.
December 4, 2020
As always, Fiona Davis delivers in this startling story about life post-WWII in the theater industry in NYC. This was a time when the FBI and USA government was going crazy about finding the infiltrating communists. So much so that they accused innocent people and ruined many people's lives. Davis does a fabulous job of telling this story.
The Chelsea Hotel
Yes it's a real place. And yes it hosted many celebrities and artists (of all kinds) over the years. I love the little drops of descriptions during the book that are clearly famous people you likely know; but Davis doesn't use their names as our (fictional) characters don't know these celebs at this time. This hotel is noted for many crazy events; but perhaps most famous for being where Sid Vicious (of the Sex Pistols) is said to have murdered Nancy Spungen in the 1970's.
I love how Davis always chooses a prominent, historical building to feature in her stories. In this case the Chelsea Hotel feels like a character at times. As though the hotel is living, breathing, and dictating people's lives. Is it fate or the hotel pushing who ends up in an elevator together and/or who chooses to stay overnight? I love the drama of it and the mystery it creates.
"The Chelsea Hotel. A 'she', like a lumbering redbrick ship filled with foolish dreamers,"
Fiction vs Truth
As with so many historical books these days the core story and characters are fiction; but a lot of truth is incorporated. Davis describes her inspirations at the back of the book and gives a fulsome list of resources she used to research the historical events and people of the time. For me nothing felt off, although the communist hunt is not something I know about super well. What is important in the end is that the stories of our fictional characters could be 100% true and are certainly truthful in many ways. And of course the power struggles, greed, and selfishness of those with even a tiny bit of power are still very true today.
"The world is run by men who want power, who will say anything to attain it, and do anything to retain it."
Scary Truths, Even for Today
As I type this it is March 23, 2020 and we are in the midst of the COVID-19 virus crisis with no known 'end' in sight. Civil liberties are being taken away from many as areas lock down all unnecessary movement in entire countries! The slippery slope mentioned in the quote below certainly rang true to me; as governments are making the best decisions they can in this unknown playing field. I imagine this is not unlike the choice by many European countries to surrendered to the Nazis in WWII or when to enter into another war (the Korean War is mentioned a number of times). And it's certainly true that people were hunted down for being suspected communists, detained unjustly with no actual evidence, and pressured into false confessions during this time. All pieces of the story Davis touches on; and all possible scary realities that may be in our (not so) near future.
"Of course, she had nothing to hide. But it was the principle of the matter, the slippery slope into censorship, that irked her to no end."
Overall
I believe I would have loved this book irregardless of what is happening in the world today. It was just 'luck' that it came up for me to read at this moment. The Chelsea Girls felt like the perfect read to draw parallels between then and now; but also gave a sense of security. I don't believe agents are banging on doors accusing people unfairly of treason in Canada and so at least one piece of the past will hopefully not repeat itself.
The Cold War saw many things happen that would have been unthinkable prior to WWII; and today is no different. We are always living in unprecedented times. The thing about history is that we should ensure we pay attention and learn from it. The below quote really resonated with me in the end; even though I believe lock downs are the only way to fight the virus it is a sobering thought that we have reached this point in 2020.
"We must promise to be vigilant against our own worst tendencies. Only by doing so will our country sustain it's ideals of freedom."
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
The Chelsea Hotel
Yes it's a real place. And yes it hosted many celebrities and artists (of all kinds) over the years. I love the little drops of descriptions during the book that are clearly famous people you likely know; but Davis doesn't use their names as our (fictional) characters don't know these celebs at this time. This hotel is noted for many crazy events; but perhaps most famous for being where Sid Vicious (of the Sex Pistols) is said to have murdered Nancy Spungen in the 1970's.
I love how Davis always chooses a prominent, historical building to feature in her stories. In this case the Chelsea Hotel feels like a character at times. As though the hotel is living, breathing, and dictating people's lives. Is it fate or the hotel pushing who ends up in an elevator together and/or who chooses to stay overnight? I love the drama of it and the mystery it creates.
"The Chelsea Hotel. A 'she', like a lumbering redbrick ship filled with foolish dreamers,"
Fiction vs Truth
As with so many historical books these days the core story and characters are fiction; but a lot of truth is incorporated. Davis describes her inspirations at the back of the book and gives a fulsome list of resources she used to research the historical events and people of the time. For me nothing felt off, although the communist hunt is not something I know about super well. What is important in the end is that the stories of our fictional characters could be 100% true and are certainly truthful in many ways. And of course the power struggles, greed, and selfishness of those with even a tiny bit of power are still very true today.
"The world is run by men who want power, who will say anything to attain it, and do anything to retain it."
Scary Truths, Even for Today
As I type this it is March 23, 2020 and we are in the midst of the COVID-19 virus crisis with no known 'end' in sight. Civil liberties are being taken away from many as areas lock down all unnecessary movement in entire countries! The slippery slope mentioned in the quote below certainly rang true to me; as governments are making the best decisions they can in this unknown playing field. I imagine this is not unlike the choice by many European countries to surrendered to the Nazis in WWII or when to enter into another war (the Korean War is mentioned a number of times). And it's certainly true that people were hunted down for being suspected communists, detained unjustly with no actual evidence, and pressured into false confessions during this time. All pieces of the story Davis touches on; and all possible scary realities that may be in our (not so) near future.
"Of course, she had nothing to hide. But it was the principle of the matter, the slippery slope into censorship, that irked her to no end."
Overall
I believe I would have loved this book irregardless of what is happening in the world today. It was just 'luck' that it came up for me to read at this moment. The Chelsea Girls felt like the perfect read to draw parallels between then and now; but also gave a sense of security. I don't believe agents are banging on doors accusing people unfairly of treason in Canada and so at least one piece of the past will hopefully not repeat itself.
The Cold War saw many things happen that would have been unthinkable prior to WWII; and today is no different. We are always living in unprecedented times. The thing about history is that we should ensure we pay attention and learn from it. The below quote really resonated with me in the end; even though I believe lock downs are the only way to fight the virus it is a sobering thought that we have reached this point in 2020.
"We must promise to be vigilant against our own worst tendencies. Only by doing so will our country sustain it's ideals of freedom."
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
August 23, 2019
Read cover to cover on s perfect summer day at the beach! So many reasons to love this...The McCarthy Era, NYC theater, and the Chelsea Hotel…Fiona Davis has treated us to another wonderful novel, The Chelsea Girls!
I love the historical setting of the Chelsea Hotel in NYC in the 1950s, with writers, actors and musicians in residence; READ FULL REVIEW WITH AUTHOR Q & A NOW ON Book Nation by Jen
https://booknationbyjen.com/2019/08/2...
I love the historical setting of the Chelsea Hotel in NYC in the 1950s, with writers, actors and musicians in residence; READ FULL REVIEW WITH AUTHOR Q & A NOW ON Book Nation by Jen
https://booknationbyjen.com/2019/08/2...
August 21, 2019
Life is too short to waste on mediocre books. So for your own sanity, skip this one. The Chelsea Girls is rife with poor character development, typos, and stilted sentence structure. It simply cannot compare with historical fiction greats by authors such as Philippa Gregory or Sharon Kay Penman.
But also, as a random aside, my love for Sharon Kay Penman knows no bounds so it is *almost* an unfair comparison. Almost.
The Chelsea Girls features, to no one’s surprise, the Chelsea Hotel in New York, home to artists, musicians, and actors. The book mostly occurs in the 1950s and 1960s and addresses the McCarthy-era Red Scare. Throughout most of the story, the House Un-American Activities Committee is ruthlessly investigating many of the hotel’s residents, often to devastating consequences.
The historical setting bumped this book from a 1.5-star to a 2.5-star for me. The Red Scare is often given short shrift in historical fiction, and even though the plot is flimsy and poorly executed, the actual history surrounding the story interested me. So much so that I journeyed to Wikipedia to learn more.
Now, why did I dislike it? Primarily because the characters are thinly developed and two-dimensional. Maxine and Hazel are dolls – beautiful and hollow. I could never buy into their stories, personalities, or lives. They simply weren’t developed in any real way.
And really, my primary beef is that the author TELLS us about Maxine and Hazel, instead of SHOWING us. Truly great writers develop the characters and the world along the way and demonstrate the depth of feeling, history, and connection. Imparting factual tidbits about the characters as the primary source of character development is ineffective, and will almost always fall flat.
I’ll give you an example. The first page begins with Hazel stating that she “hates” Maxine Mead. (We never learn why.) And by page three (literally), they are the best of friends and helping some young German kid escape death. Sounds like a bonding moment? Maybe it could have been, but like every other plot line in this book, it is too poorly developed to ring true. Hate to best friendship in the span of the first chapter requires a complete suspension of disbelief. And I am wholly unwilling to engage in such suspension.
The book also lacks any technical proficiency and is in desperate need of editing. Sentences are simple and inexpressive, almost wooden in their lack of movement. And sometimes characters refer to Hazel as “Ms. Ripley” and then moments later will call her “Ms. Riley.” It is difficult to express how much this annoys me. *pulls hair out*
To give credit where credit is due, chapter 18 does deliver a surprising plot twist. I was moments away from quitting this book without finishing. But after reading chapter 18, I had *just enough* interest to finish the book. Did it get any better, you ask? Sadly, no. The chapter simply hooked me long enough to say I finished the book.
Skip it, my friends. If this book was a color, it would be beige.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No one can say I wasn’t honest, eh?
Check out my blog at deargentlebookworm.com
But also, as a random aside, my love for Sharon Kay Penman knows no bounds so it is *almost* an unfair comparison. Almost.
The Chelsea Girls features, to no one’s surprise, the Chelsea Hotel in New York, home to artists, musicians, and actors. The book mostly occurs in the 1950s and 1960s and addresses the McCarthy-era Red Scare. Throughout most of the story, the House Un-American Activities Committee is ruthlessly investigating many of the hotel’s residents, often to devastating consequences.
The historical setting bumped this book from a 1.5-star to a 2.5-star for me. The Red Scare is often given short shrift in historical fiction, and even though the plot is flimsy and poorly executed, the actual history surrounding the story interested me. So much so that I journeyed to Wikipedia to learn more.
Now, why did I dislike it? Primarily because the characters are thinly developed and two-dimensional. Maxine and Hazel are dolls – beautiful and hollow. I could never buy into their stories, personalities, or lives. They simply weren’t developed in any real way.
And really, my primary beef is that the author TELLS us about Maxine and Hazel, instead of SHOWING us. Truly great writers develop the characters and the world along the way and demonstrate the depth of feeling, history, and connection. Imparting factual tidbits about the characters as the primary source of character development is ineffective, and will almost always fall flat.
I’ll give you an example. The first page begins with Hazel stating that she “hates” Maxine Mead. (We never learn why.) And by page three (literally), they are the best of friends and helping some young German kid escape death. Sounds like a bonding moment? Maybe it could have been, but like every other plot line in this book, it is too poorly developed to ring true. Hate to best friendship in the span of the first chapter requires a complete suspension of disbelief. And I am wholly unwilling to engage in such suspension.
The book also lacks any technical proficiency and is in desperate need of editing. Sentences are simple and inexpressive, almost wooden in their lack of movement. And sometimes characters refer to Hazel as “Ms. Ripley” and then moments later will call her “Ms. Riley.” It is difficult to express how much this annoys me. *pulls hair out*
To give credit where credit is due, chapter 18 does deliver a surprising plot twist. I was moments away from quitting this book without finishing. But after reading chapter 18, I had *just enough* interest to finish the book. Did it get any better, you ask? Sadly, no. The chapter simply hooked me long enough to say I finished the book.
Skip it, my friends. If this book was a color, it would be beige.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. No one can say I wasn’t honest, eh?
Check out my blog at deargentlebookworm.com
September 11, 2022
2.5 Stars for The Chelsea Girls (audiobook) by Fiona Davis read by Kristen Potter and Hillary Huber.
For me, this wasn’t nearly as interesting as the author’s other books.
For me, this wasn’t nearly as interesting as the author’s other books.
January 13, 2021
Another Fiona Davis winner
4 1/2 Stars
It was easy to love this book, “Chelsea Girls” by Fiona Davis. She magically combined all the glitz and glamor oh Hollywood and Broadway with a real spy story. Standing ovation for a her on that achievement.
The pace flows very smoothly as seen through the eyes of the two stars, Maxine and Hazel. Meeting as USO entertainers in WWII, they have a relationship that lasts almost 30 years. During this friendship, there are ups and downs like many relationships but this one has a twist. An encounter with McCarthy Investigation in the 1950s.
Characters are incredibly well developed. I thought personally believable and actually I could see in my minds eyes the 5-6 characters and drove the story.
It was a rather quick read. In fact I finished in less than one day. One chapter left me a longing for what was going to happen in the next. The specialness about it is that we have each of the main characters view in subsequent chapters.
Since I have never been a spy and I have never been Hollywood mogul, I really have no association with plot, rather I just to enjoyed the heck out of it.
I highly recommend— this is a good one!
4 1/2 Stars
It was easy to love this book, “Chelsea Girls” by Fiona Davis. She magically combined all the glitz and glamor oh Hollywood and Broadway with a real spy story. Standing ovation for a her on that achievement.
The pace flows very smoothly as seen through the eyes of the two stars, Maxine and Hazel. Meeting as USO entertainers in WWII, they have a relationship that lasts almost 30 years. During this friendship, there are ups and downs like many relationships but this one has a twist. An encounter with McCarthy Investigation in the 1950s.
Characters are incredibly well developed. I thought personally believable and actually I could see in my minds eyes the 5-6 characters and drove the story.
It was a rather quick read. In fact I finished in less than one day. One chapter left me a longing for what was going to happen in the next. The specialness about it is that we have each of the main characters view in subsequent chapters.
Since I have never been a spy and I have never been Hollywood mogul, I really have no association with plot, rather I just to enjoyed the heck out of it.
I highly recommend— this is a good one!
August 10, 2019
I couldn’t get through either “The Address” or “The Masterpiece” by this author, but I enjoyed this book. Fortunately, it did not have dual time periods and I liked the theater setting and the description of the impact of the blacklisting in the 1950s.
July 31, 2019
What a fun, interesting place The Chelsea Hotel must have been.
Hazel was in a family of performers, but Hazel wasn’t a performer. Hazel was a playwrite.
We meet Hazel when she was on tour with the USO during the war. Hazel met many actors and became friends with them.
We follow Hazel as she moves out of her childhood home and into The Chelsea Hotel during the McCarthy Era. When her friend, Maxine, from the USO, moves in too their friendship is renewed.
The description of the hotel's decorations, the secret places and passages in it, and the furnishings was fascinating. The impeccable research Ms. Davis had to do definitely shows. I had do a bit of googling of the hotel myself. :)
History buffs and theater goers will again be treated to a very descriptive story line that has Ms. Davis taking you back in time.
I do have to say THE CHELSEA GIRLS was a bit tedious to read for me, but I loved the history of the hotel and its inhabitants. The characters in the book were believable and most were likable.
The ending was satisfying and nicely wrapped up the story line. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.
Hazel was in a family of performers, but Hazel wasn’t a performer. Hazel was a playwrite.
We meet Hazel when she was on tour with the USO during the war. Hazel met many actors and became friends with them.
We follow Hazel as she moves out of her childhood home and into The Chelsea Hotel during the McCarthy Era. When her friend, Maxine, from the USO, moves in too their friendship is renewed.
The description of the hotel's decorations, the secret places and passages in it, and the furnishings was fascinating. The impeccable research Ms. Davis had to do definitely shows. I had do a bit of googling of the hotel myself. :)
History buffs and theater goers will again be treated to a very descriptive story line that has Ms. Davis taking you back in time.
I do have to say THE CHELSEA GIRLS was a bit tedious to read for me, but I loved the history of the hotel and its inhabitants. The characters in the book were believable and most were likable.
The ending was satisfying and nicely wrapped up the story line. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2019
EDITED
2.5 stars The Chelsea Girls follows Hazel and Maxine from 1940s Europe, near the end of WWII to the late 1960s New York. The titular Chelsea is a hotel known for its many resident artists of various stripes...both political and professional. The bulk of the story takes place during the 1950s at the height of McCarthyism in the US, which led to the blacklisting of many in the entertainment industry for supposed communist connections. Maxine, an actress on the rise, and Hazel, an understudy turned playwright and director, both residents of the Chelsea, find their lives turned upside down by the fear mongering of the House UnAmerican Activities Committee. Will their friendship withstand the intense pressure brought to bear on it?
The early Cold War period and activities of the US government, as the HUAC searched "for a commie under every stone" is not the usual fare for an historical fiction novel. As a student of history, the topic pulled me in right away. The actions of our government during that time both fascinate and appall me. The glimpses the author gives into the HUAC feel realistic and sobering.
However, as I talked about this book with a friend, I realized that there was much I didn't like...that wasn't fleshed out...necessary backstory left untold...or the need to suspend my disbelief. I finished the conversation with, "I guess I didn't like it as much as I thought I did." I have altered my original review to reflect my thoughts several days removed from finishing the book.
My thanks to Edelweiss and The Penguin Group for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
2.5 stars The Chelsea Girls follows Hazel and Maxine from 1940s Europe, near the end of WWII to the late 1960s New York. The titular Chelsea is a hotel known for its many resident artists of various stripes...both political and professional. The bulk of the story takes place during the 1950s at the height of McCarthyism in the US, which led to the blacklisting of many in the entertainment industry for supposed communist connections. Maxine, an actress on the rise, and Hazel, an understudy turned playwright and director, both residents of the Chelsea, find their lives turned upside down by the fear mongering of the House UnAmerican Activities Committee. Will their friendship withstand the intense pressure brought to bear on it?
The early Cold War period and activities of the US government, as the HUAC searched "for a commie under every stone" is not the usual fare for an historical fiction novel. As a student of history, the topic pulled me in right away. The actions of our government during that time both fascinate and appall me. The glimpses the author gives into the HUAC feel realistic and sobering.
However, as I talked about this book with a friend, I realized that there was much I didn't like...that wasn't fleshed out...necessary backstory left untold...or the need to suspend my disbelief. I finished the conversation with, "I guess I didn't like it as much as I thought I did." I have altered my original review to reflect my thoughts several days removed from finishing the book.
My thanks to Edelweiss and The Penguin Group for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 11, 2019
I had high hopes for this book as I greatly enjoyed the other novels by Fiona Davis, but this book fell flat for me. The time period was interesting, especially because there isn't much historical fiction set during the McCarthy Era. Unfortunately the book was overly dramatic and tragic without much character development. I was disappointed.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. It will be released on July 30, 2019.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. It will be released on July 30, 2019.
October 4, 2019
I love the way this Author writes and each book I have read of her's I truly enjoyed. This book is based at the beginning on 1947 with the film industry coming under attack for being suspected of being in the communist party. This book is based on the true story that happened to many in the industry who's career's were destroyed by being blacklisted unfairly. Author Fiona Davis makes a great story out of this with moviestars, writer, spys, FbI and close friendships within a beautiful hotel where many artist live.
December 12, 2020
Another beautiful and heart-wrenching historical novel by Fiona Davis. This one focuses on the fabled downtown Chelsea Hotel, beginning in the 1940s.
As a transplanted New Yorker, I love reading about old New York and its most famous haunts. Once again, just as in The Lions of Fifth Avenue, Davis transports the reader to a magical and complex time in the history of the Chelsea Hotel. Not just a story of the hotel itself, but also a beautiful (and at times, tragic) story of a changing New York.
This book is a little more intense than The Lions of Fifth Avenue, dealing with issues like war and McCarthyism. But it’s all done very well, and makes you think, while also enjoying the depth and sincerity of Davis’ trademark “independent girl in New York” characters. The book is lovely the way it shows that some things about New York and its institutions never change — like girls who come to New York to be actresses, and the Chelsea Hotel that waits to embrace them. At the same time, it’s a powerful reflection of how far we, and New York, have come over the years.
This is my second book by Fiona Davis and it won’t be the last. I adore the way each of her books focuses on a storied New York building. I’d love to see what she could do with the Empire State Building or the Rainbow Room.
4.5 sentimental stars. ❤️🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 Thanks to Penguin Group Dutton for introducing me to this lovely author and for providing me with a copy of a second book of hers to read!
As a transplanted New Yorker, I love reading about old New York and its most famous haunts. Once again, just as in The Lions of Fifth Avenue, Davis transports the reader to a magical and complex time in the history of the Chelsea Hotel. Not just a story of the hotel itself, but also a beautiful (and at times, tragic) story of a changing New York.
This book is a little more intense than The Lions of Fifth Avenue, dealing with issues like war and McCarthyism. But it’s all done very well, and makes you think, while also enjoying the depth and sincerity of Davis’ trademark “independent girl in New York” characters. The book is lovely the way it shows that some things about New York and its institutions never change — like girls who come to New York to be actresses, and the Chelsea Hotel that waits to embrace them. At the same time, it’s a powerful reflection of how far we, and New York, have come over the years.
This is my second book by Fiona Davis and it won’t be the last. I adore the way each of her books focuses on a storied New York building. I’d love to see what she could do with the Empire State Building or the Rainbow Room.
4.5 sentimental stars. ❤️🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 Thanks to Penguin Group Dutton for introducing me to this lovely author and for providing me with a copy of a second book of hers to read!
April 23, 2020
I read The Chelsea Girls before it was published and found it unsettling for reasons unknown. I put it aside hoping that I would feel differently at a later date which is now. Unfortunately, while I was able to finish the book this time through, my thoughts about the book still are not positive.
The Chelsea Girls is set at the famous Chelsea Hotel in an era spanning the 1940s and 50s. Part of my concern with the book is that I don't believe we are quite far enough removed from this time period to write about it in any objective manner. Too many of us, as readers, are too familiar with the subject matter so no matter how hard much an author tries, the writing feels more like a commentary than fiction. I do believe that there is a time and place to discuss the horrors of McCarthyism as well as all of the social nightmares that occurred throughout both decades, but The Chelsea Girls was not the place for it and Davis did not accomplish what I suspect she was attempting to create - an historical tale of two women whose friendship was tested by political backlash. I do appreciate Fiona Davis' other stories and recommend them highly - just not this one.
The Chelsea Girls is set at the famous Chelsea Hotel in an era spanning the 1940s and 50s. Part of my concern with the book is that I don't believe we are quite far enough removed from this time period to write about it in any objective manner. Too many of us, as readers, are too familiar with the subject matter so no matter how hard much an author tries, the writing feels more like a commentary than fiction. I do believe that there is a time and place to discuss the horrors of McCarthyism as well as all of the social nightmares that occurred throughout both decades, but The Chelsea Girls was not the place for it and Davis did not accomplish what I suspect she was attempting to create - an historical tale of two women whose friendship was tested by political backlash. I do appreciate Fiona Davis' other stories and recommend them highly - just not this one.
June 27, 2019
This is a little bit of a departure for Fiona Davis. No dual timeline, and the landmark—the Chelsea Hotel—plays a slightly less crucial role than the landmarks in her previous works. But the examination of McCarthyism and its impact on the theater world is dark and devastating.
January 9, 2020
Whether it’s the Barbizon, the Dakota, Grand Central Terminal or The Chelsea Hotel, Fiona Davis has the great talent of weaving her wonderful stories around some of New York City’s most interesting and iconic landmarks. I’ve long been intrigued by the Chelsea Hotel and its history with its wide range of artist inhabitants (check out Leonard Cohen singing about fellow resident Janis Joplin in Chelsea Hotel No. 2.) In The Chelsea Girls, we are taken back to the 1940s to 1960s and the lives of Hazel Riley and Maxine Mead who met near the end of WWII performing for the USO. After the war, Hazel heads to the famed hotel and soon reunites with Maxine, now a starlet in Hollywood. Hazel has written a play inspired by events during the war and Maxine heads back to NYC with the hope of starring in her friend’s new play. With the Red Scare now descending upon Broadway, Hazel is forced to deal with its threat on her dreams and ultimately her friendship with Maxine. What an enjoyable read. Many thanks to Edelweiss, Dutton/Penguin Publishing Group and Ms. Davis for the ARC. (And let’s hope that when the current renovations of the Chelsea Hotel are complete, there will be enough of its former self left for all its ghosts to find their way home.)
July 1, 2019
Fiona Davis is absolutely one of my favorite voices in historical fiction and her latest, The Chelsea Girls, proves why. This time around, Davis takes on post WWII communism and does so within the world of theater and performing arts in NYC. Deviating from the dual timelines of her past work, The Chelsea Girls begins in Italy where Hazel & Maxine meet on a USO tour and then a few years later, they are reunited in NYC at the Chelsea Hotel to work in theater together. Underneath all the friendship and artistic expression, the art world has come under siege due to rising fears of communism (the red scare).
Davis has quite the knack for discussing important parts of history while also lending her unique voice to the story and creating three dimensional characters that truly leap off the page. I learned a ton about a time period I knew little and also appreciated the fictional component of the friendship immensely.
Thank you to Dutton for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Davis has quite the knack for discussing important parts of history while also lending her unique voice to the story and creating three dimensional characters that truly leap off the page. I learned a ton about a time period I knew little and also appreciated the fictional component of the friendship immensely.
Thank you to Dutton for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
February 16, 2019
Fiona Davis has captured the hearts of readers with the way she brings life to New York City landmarks through compelling historical fiction. Setting her sights on the Chelsea Hotel, she delves into the world of theater in the McCarthy era. As two women wrestle with wartime memories, fractured friendship, love, and trust, readers will find themselves immersed in the world that Davis created and will be eager for more.
July 22, 2019
This story set in the McCarthy era is chilling. It is a reminder what happens to people who are persecuted for their speech or opinion. This centers around the entertainment world and two friends, Hazel and Maxine, and how the McCarthy investigation impacts their lives.
The two meet in Naples, Italy in an USO troupe entertainment troupe. Hazel becomes a budding playwright and Maxine a famous actress after the War. They unite to put on Hazel's first play on Broadway when the charge of Communism raises its ugly head. The aftermath shapes their lives forever.
There is an amazing twist and the setting of the Chelsea Hotel adds great atmosphere. The time period portrayal seems very accurate. The story of friendship is lovely. It is a very timely story that has resonates with our situation today.
Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
The two meet in Naples, Italy in an USO troupe entertainment troupe. Hazel becomes a budding playwright and Maxine a famous actress after the War. They unite to put on Hazel's first play on Broadway when the charge of Communism raises its ugly head. The aftermath shapes their lives forever.
There is an amazing twist and the setting of the Chelsea Hotel adds great atmosphere. The time period portrayal seems very accurate. The story of friendship is lovely. It is a very timely story that has resonates with our situation today.
Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
August 30, 2019
This is Historical Fiction set in the early 1950's. I liked the setting of this. It is frustrating though to think these events or similar, actually took place. So I liked the history in this, but overall, this was a solid 3 stars for me. It seemed kind of light in some areas considering what was going on regarding Un-American Activities and the lives that were ruined because of it. And for some reason I expected more from Hazel. Her life seemed kind of uneventful in the latter portion. I would have thought that given what we knew about her, she would have accomplished more in her life. So 3 stars.
December 7, 2019
Enjoyed the setting (Hotel Chelsea, the hotel for authors, poets, theater folks, and artists, in the 1920s-1950s), the theater storyline, and history in this but wasn't sure I believed the characters rang true, especially Maxine. I'll keep thinking about this story for a while though & that's the mark of a good novel.
December 28, 2020
The Chelsea Girls
A intriguing and satisfying story of a iconic hotel, female friendships and a dark era of our political history.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
Hazel Ripley first meets actress, Maxine Mead on a USO Tour in Naples, Italy. It was 1945 and the start of a lifelong friendship arising from the bonds of shared heartbreak and devastation inevitable in wartime.
After the war, Maxine heads to Hollywood and Hazel returns to New York City to pursue a career as a playwright. Having heard about the history of the Chelsea from Maxine during their USO days, Hazel decides a move to the Chelsea Hotel might be just what she needs. She soon meets Lavinia Smarts the well-connected grand dame of the Chelsea, who offers to read Hazel’s play. With help from Lavinia, Hazel’s play is on the brink of hitting Broadway.
Maxine shows up fresh from Hollywood and is immediately cast as the lead in Hazel’s play. The two soon discover that the greatest obstacle to putting a show on Broadway is not the production, but the politics. Senator Joseph McCarthy has started a witch hunt for communists, and those in the entertainment industry are in his crosshairs. Actors, writers and producers are all dragged in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee and pressured to name names of suspected Communist.
But it is more than Hazel and Maxine’s Broadway dreams that may suffer. Under immense pressure they grapple with the terrible consequences, affecting their livelihood, their friendship, and their freedom.
REVIEW
Author Fiona Davis has carefully crafted a well-researched story of dreams and heartbreak. The book, like her others, is set in a historic and iconic New York landmark. The redbrick Chelsea Hotel on Twenty-Third Street is a handsome mix of Victoria Gothic and Queen Anne style. The atmospheric and eccentric hotel, home to artists, poets and actors, becomes a vital character in the novel. The majority of the story takes place in the 1950’s and is alternately told from both Maxine and Hazel’s point of view.
The writing is absorbing and Davis captures your attention with the emotional bonds between Maxine and Hazel as well as their grudges, lies and jealousies. She effortlessly blends the hotel, the characters and the politics of the time into a interesting and satisfying story.
THE CHELSEA GIRLS evokes the emotions of the era and weaves a cinematic tale which could have been ripped from the headlines of the day. Davis’ meticulous research included interviewing a 98-year old actress, who shared stories with her about the USO, WWII, and the injustice of the blacklisting and persecution of the McCarthy era. Fans of historical fiction and strong independent women characters will appreciate this multilayered story.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Dutton
Published December 8, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
A intriguing and satisfying story of a iconic hotel, female friendships and a dark era of our political history.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SUMMARY
Hazel Ripley first meets actress, Maxine Mead on a USO Tour in Naples, Italy. It was 1945 and the start of a lifelong friendship arising from the bonds of shared heartbreak and devastation inevitable in wartime.
After the war, Maxine heads to Hollywood and Hazel returns to New York City to pursue a career as a playwright. Having heard about the history of the Chelsea from Maxine during their USO days, Hazel decides a move to the Chelsea Hotel might be just what she needs. She soon meets Lavinia Smarts the well-connected grand dame of the Chelsea, who offers to read Hazel’s play. With help from Lavinia, Hazel’s play is on the brink of hitting Broadway.
Maxine shows up fresh from Hollywood and is immediately cast as the lead in Hazel’s play. The two soon discover that the greatest obstacle to putting a show on Broadway is not the production, but the politics. Senator Joseph McCarthy has started a witch hunt for communists, and those in the entertainment industry are in his crosshairs. Actors, writers and producers are all dragged in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee and pressured to name names of suspected Communist.
But it is more than Hazel and Maxine’s Broadway dreams that may suffer. Under immense pressure they grapple with the terrible consequences, affecting their livelihood, their friendship, and their freedom.
REVIEW
Author Fiona Davis has carefully crafted a well-researched story of dreams and heartbreak. The book, like her others, is set in a historic and iconic New York landmark. The redbrick Chelsea Hotel on Twenty-Third Street is a handsome mix of Victoria Gothic and Queen Anne style. The atmospheric and eccentric hotel, home to artists, poets and actors, becomes a vital character in the novel. The majority of the story takes place in the 1950’s and is alternately told from both Maxine and Hazel’s point of view.
The writing is absorbing and Davis captures your attention with the emotional bonds between Maxine and Hazel as well as their grudges, lies and jealousies. She effortlessly blends the hotel, the characters and the politics of the time into a interesting and satisfying story.
THE CHELSEA GIRLS evokes the emotions of the era and weaves a cinematic tale which could have been ripped from the headlines of the day. Davis’ meticulous research included interviewing a 98-year old actress, who shared stories with her about the USO, WWII, and the injustice of the blacklisting and persecution of the McCarthy era. Fans of historical fiction and strong independent women characters will appreciate this multilayered story.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Dutton
Published December 8, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
August 7, 2019
On a recent Italian USO tour, actress Maxine Mead and playwright Hazel Riley become fast friends in spring of 1945. After WWII, Max successfully transitions into a Hollywood starlet while Hazel relocates to NYC ending up residing in the illustrious famed Chelsea Hotel. With great delight, Hazel again meets up with Maxine, and the two set sights on making their theatrical mark in the Big Apple. But a black cloud hovers over the country due to political pressures and the communistic Red scare due to Senator Joesph McCarthy, disrupting and terrorizing the entertainment industry. From 1945 Naples, Italy to 1967 New York City's Time Square, Fiona Davis historic storytelling will captivate, fascinate, and delight readers. For those who read Davis' The Address, The Masterpiece, or The Dollhouse.
April 17, 2019
A dazzling story of loyalty, friendship, and betrayal in 1950s Bohemian New York amid the danger of the Red Scare. It will leave readers wishing they could spend a night at the Chelsea Hotel for a taste of Broadway glamor and a well-shaken cocktail.
August 7, 2019
Between a 4 and 4.5
Fiona Davis always writes an entertaining, historical-fiction novel; with a powerful ending.
Author’s notes are stellar.
Fiona Davis always writes an entertaining, historical-fiction novel; with a powerful ending.
Author’s notes are stellar.
June 15, 2020
I was a little disappointed in this book although I can't really put my finger on why. Maybe like some other reviewers, I was expecting the Chelsea Hotel itself to play a bigger part in the story. In my opinion, the story seemed rather superficial without the depth that Fiona Davis's previous books have. The last 100 or so pages were more in line with what I had expected but it was too late for me by then. The topic was certainly interesting and it sounds like the author did a lot of research. I imagine those were scary times for certain people but I would've liked that theme expanded more. I don't like to draw parallels with current events but if the shoe fits ....! I didn't really warm to any of the characters and it all seemed a bit rushed. Obviously my sentiments are in the minority here and I'd still recommend the book to a friend.
September 1, 2019
3.5⭐ rounded up to 4 because I felt the second half was stronger and grabbed my interest more than the beginning. My first by the author and I'll try her again. I love the setting but would have loved more detail on the interior of the Chelsea!
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