Red Letter Days

by Sarah-Jane Stratford

A striking novel from the acclaimed author of Radio Girls about two daring women who escape McCarthy-era Hollywood for London, where they find creative freedom and fight the injustices of the Red Scare.

Nineteen-fifties America is bright and full of promise, and Phoebe Adler, a New Yorker brimming with talent and ambition, is forging her way as the rarest of things: a female television writer in Hollywood. But fears of a growing Red Menace cloud the optimism, egged on by the hate-mongering of Senator McCarthy. A blacklist is created to cast out communist sympathizers, smashing careers and ruining lives. When Phoebe finds herself caught in the hysteria’s web, she flees to London.

Though postwar London is struggling and work is precarious, Phoebe finds camaraderie with other Americans living in exile, including the restless and ambitious Hannah Wolfson. Determined to fight the injustices of the Red Scare, Hannah is a successful producer who hires blacklisted writers at great risk to her career and company.

Together Phoebe and Hannah successfully fight unfair bias and sexism, but danger still looms in this supposed sanctuary. And when their families and friends—their very lives—are threatened, they will have to make impossible choices.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Book Club, British Literature, Audiobook, Adult

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2020

About the author

Sarah-Jane Stratford is the author of Radio Girls. Her work has also appeared in the Guardian, the Boston Globe, Los Angeles Review of Books, Marie Claire, Bustle, Guernica, and many others. She is inordinately pleased to have written for knitting magazines as well.

In 2017, Sarah-Jane was awarded a Tier One Highly Talented Visa from the Arts Council in Britain. Formerly a resident of both American coasts (not at the same time), she's now living the expat life in London. When she isn’t working, she’s exploring and seriously considering learning how to garden.
Sarah-Jane is happy to Skype/FaceTime/ Messenger with book clubs worldwide. Please get in touch via www.sarahjanestratford.com or this page: https://www.facebook.com/SarahJaneStr...

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just after the war, the United States in the fifties is an exciting place to be. Phoebe Adler is a New Yorker on her way to Hollywood to work as a TV writer, not a common role for women at the time.

Phoebe’s excitement and star on the rise are short-lived, however, due to the hate being spewed by Senator McCarthy and his followers, fear of communist sympathizers. Eventually, Phoebe is blacklisted in Hollywood and leaves for London.

There Phoebe continues to struggle finding work, but she finds comfort among other expats seeking exile in London. She becomes close with Hannah Wolfson, a producer who is willing to hire blacklisted writers no matter the cost.

Phoebe and Hannah are in a dangerous position, one that could implode at any moment.

I’ve read books about the Red Scare after World War II, and this story definitely offered a different angle and refreshing viewpoint. I especially loved that women were supporting women during these difficult and dangerous times.

Overall, Red Letter Days shines a bright light on a dark time in our nation’s history. A time when people were doubted, ridiculed, blacklisted, and even threatened and harmed, without a shred of evidence.

I received a gifted copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader.

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect read to kick off Women’s History Month. This was an informative story about the red scare, the entertainment business, and two women who stood strong. Phoebe Adler is a young woman living in New York working as a television writer when she finds herself on the “blacklist“. With no ties to communism and a sister who is ill and depending on her, Phoebe does not know what to do when she is summoned to appear in front of Congress. Urged on by her sister and with no other options Phoebe heads to London. In London she finds refuge with other exiled Americans and starts working for Hannah Wolfson. Hannah is a producer who hires blacklisted writers and directors to work on her current television project Robin Hood. Phoebe lands a job as the script girl and has an opportunity to write a Robin Hood episode. But Senator McCarthy and the FBI’s power is far reaching and it might just be a matter of time before Phoebe’s luck runs out.

This was a story about a part of history I really know very little of and I found it so disturbing and unfortunate. It is crazy that people were accused of being communist for virtually no reason at all other than they might have once upon a time had a red thought. The story was so well researched and I really appreciated that, however it never really completely pulled me in. I really liked Phoebe and I felt for her and I liked her relationship with her sister. But she was like a friend who keeps you at arms distance, she felt a little removed a bit detached. There was a strong bond between Phoebe and Hannah that I really liked, I just wanted a little more of that in the story. This is a well told, well researched story that lacked some emotion. I would recommend this for the true historical fiction reader. And don’t forget to read the authors note, it was really interesting how she came up with a story and how this is loosely based on real people

This book in emojis. 🧧📽🎬📞📺👭✈️🚢

*** Big thank you to Berkley Pub for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Even though I read historical fiction novels quite often, surprisingly the Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950s is not a subject I have seen explored all that much. So I was glad to see this author not only tackle the topic but do a pretty good job as well.

It's the 1950s and Phoebe Adler is a television writer, no small feat considering it's a male dominated industry. But unfortunately for Phoebe, the fear of Communism is still sweeping the nation and has hit Hollywood particularly hard. People are willing to name names whether there is truth to it or not and Phoebe finds herself on the infamous blacklist and decides her best option is to flee to London. Hannah Wolfson has found some success as a producer in England and even though she could be risking it all if the wrong people found out, she hires blacklisted writers to come work for her. Hannah, Phoebe, and other exiled Americans living in London are safe from what's going on over in America, right?

I read the The Chelsea Girls a month ago and because it's still fresh in my mind it's hard not to compare it with this book. The Hollywood blacklist is something that plays a role in both stories however Red Letter Days in my opinion explores the topic with a little more depth. And after reading the Author's Note, this one is more heavy on the historical side in terms of some of the characters being based on real life people.

Both Phoebe and Hannah were solid, strong female characters. Phoebe has had a rough life so you can't help but want to root for the underdog. And given Hannah was risking so much in order to help others, she was an intriguing character as well. In terms of their storylines, the only thing that fell a bit flat and didn't interest me as much was their love lives. Hannah's relationship with her husband didn't seem to enhance the story in my opinion.

The main criticism I have with this book is it was not a story I felt fully engrossed in. That doesn't mean I didn't like it, more it just wasn't a page turner or the type of book I would sit around reading for hours at a time. This book might not have hit amazing level for me but it still was a worthwhile read. I did love the combination of history and fiction and felt I walked away having learned a bit more about this time period. And that's always a good thing to be able to say after reading a historical fiction book. Would definitely recommend checking this one out if the whole Hollywood blacklist is a topic that interests you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Historical Fiction. This book takes place in the 1950s, and it follows a female writer who has been black listed. She leaves New York to go to London, England after being black listed. She starts writing in London under a different name, but she is found and token back to the USA. I felt this book was just ok. I won an arc copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway, but this review is 100% my own opinion of this book.

[MicheleReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of the 1950s and the insanity of the Red Scare is one that has always intrigued me. Based on that interest, I was fully engrossed by Red Letter Days. The HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee) was created, utilizing subpoenas and blacklists, to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities of those suspected of having Communist ties. Many people's lives were ruined including those in the entertainment business.

This is a story of two women whose lives intersect as they each deal with the impact of the HUAC and its hysteria. Phoebe is living in New York City working to establish herself as a writer for television when she is suddenly fired as her name shows up on a blacklist. To escape a subpoena to testify, she flees to London and reaches out to Hannah who is a television producer known for hiring blacklisted writers. This book does a fine job in showing the tough predicament these individuals were put in and how they sought a way to survive this witch hunt. The character of Hannah Wolfson was inspired by the real-life journalist and television producer Hannah Weinstein and her bravery in hiring many blacklisted writers at great personal risk. An interesting book about a dark time in American history.

I’d like to thank Edelweiss, Berkley and the author for an advance copy. It comes out on February 25.

Review also posted at MicheleReader.com

[Joan Happel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the 1950s and up-coming TV screenwriter Phoebe Adler, is living her dream, until it all comes crashing down. She is accused of being a communist by the HUAC and to avoid naming names and being sent to jail, she escapes to London. Surrounded by other expats from the United States, she soon falls in with Hannah Wolfson who hires her for her new show. Hannah has adapted “The Adventures of Robin Hood” for television and is determined to hire blacklisted writers to help her. (The fictional character of Hannah Wolfson is based on real-life Hannah Weinstein who was a successful producer in both Great Britain and U.S.) Meanwhile, Phoebe is stilled being hunted by an FBI agent, and she does not know whom she can really trust.

This is a fast-paced historical fiction novel of a dark time in US history. The story deals not only with the issues faced by American citizens being targeted for their beliefs and having their careers ruined. It also touches on the issues of the gay and lesbian community being forced to hide their relationships from society, employers and their own government. There are portrayals of women trying to find their way in male dominated industries and juggling both their careers and traditional duties of wife and mother. Even Hedda Hopper, an infamous commie-hater, makes a cameo in this novel.

A well-researched and deftly plotted story, this is a fascinating look at a time period from the not too distant past. I highly recommend this novel for fans of historical fiction, or anyone interested in reading about the red-scare and the activities of the HUAC in the United States, as well as the pioneering efforts of the real Hannah Weinstein.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

[Amy Imogene Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Two woman try to make their own path in the film industry of the 1950s amid the Communist Red Scare, complete with Mad Men vibes, female agency, and a touch of Hollywood.

Characters: ★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★★

Phoebe Adler is in New York, scratching out a living as a screenwriter for a mid-level detective TV show. Her shows have her name on the credits, but it's hard being a self-made woman after WWII, when the men have returned from the war and want their jobs back. Phoebe doesn't mind much, except for getting her name out there and making sure she's making enough money for her sick sister in the sanitorium, Mona. When the Red Menace comes knocking and Phoebe's world turns on its head, London may just be her saving grace.

Hannah Wolfson is an expatriate living in London. She's managed to create a production company and successfully be an executive producer in a male-dominated world—and her husband and kids support her. But when blacklisted writers and talent arrive in the UK and Hannah decides to risk it all and hire them, odds are something will fall through the new cracks.

This was such an immersive reading experience. Red Letter Days made me feel like I was in the 1950s, down to the details. It was harder for me to read the sexism—also a necessary element—because that's something I really dislike in my escapist fiction, but I thought the author did a fantastic job of conveying female agency amid those issues.

However, in general I struggled with the density of the descriptions and lack of driving pacing. Due to the fact that this novel is much more exploratory and reliant on slice-of-life, this was definitely a "me" problem. The author did a fantastic job of portraying the real life struggles of these women in real time. I think I just wanted more pizzazz, more intrigue—coming from a predominantly fantasy and mystery/thriller reader, hopefully that further explains my lackluster rating.

If you are a fan of historical fiction and/or old-school Hollywood a la The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, give this a go! The atmosphere is fantastic.

Thank you to Berkley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phoebe was finally making some money for her scripts and getting well known, but then for some reason she was tagged as being a communist by the government and blacklisted by the playwrights.

Phoebe had no idea what she did to be tagged, but she decided to leave the country and head to London where there was someone who would take her scripts no matter who or what she was.

We follow Phoebe on her trip across the ocean and when she arrives in London determined to make a name for herself in the seven weeks she was granted to be in the country.

I enjoyed the characters in RED LETTER DAYS. LOVE the cover.

Phoebe was funny and lovable and eager to take chances. Hannah was talented but flighty. Phoebe’s sister, Mona, was upbeat even though her life wasn’t.

We see the historical struggles and worries that play writes had at this time and how the blacklisted writers could get into deep trouble.

Historical fiction fans, fans of the theater and television productions, and fans of Robin Hood will enjoy RED LETTER DAYS.

Ms. Stratford did marvelous, in-depth research, but The Robin Hood pages that took up a great deal of the book actually were of no interest, and that did make the story drag for me. 3/5

This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kara Babcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two years ago I picked up, on a whim, Sarah-Jane Stratford’s Radio Girls , and I fell in love. The book was the perfect blend of history, politics, and feminism. I’m pleased to say that with Red Letter Days, Stratford has done it again. While the protagonists share some superficial qualities—both move from North America to Britain, both work in communications industries in some capacity, both become somewhat embroiled in espionage and skullduggery—Stratford has chosen a different era and a different set of problems for her heroines this time around. Although slow to start, Red Letter Days did win me over.

Their stories told in parallel, the two protagonists are Phoebe Adler and Hannah Wolfson. Both Americans, Phoebe is a TV writer while Hannah is a TV producer. When Phoebe is blacklisted (for being accused of communist sympathies), she moves to London, where Hannah has been building her own production company—and hiring blacklisted Americans like Phoebe. The two must navigate the treacherous waters of the entertainment industry, sexism, sexual politics, and espionage. It’s quite the story.

I just love Stratford choices of time periods! Just as I didn’t know much about the founding of the BBC, I know very little about McCarthy-era America—my history class in Canada tended to stop around World War II, and everything after that was, I guess, too modern. So while I was aware in general of McCarthyism and the Red Scare in the United States, Stratford brings it to life in an empathetic, dramatic way. Phoebe’s sudden and unexpected blacklisting is hard to swallow, and the merciless and cruel treatment she receives as a result might seem melodramatic and unrealistic to those of us who have grown up with more privileges and apparent freedoms. Yet is it really so unbelievable? Looking at the way people treat each other here and now, I don’t see all that much difference. As Phoebe observe in the book, people don’t change that much across history—certainly not within a century. These days we condemn people scurrilously over social media, and our governments continue to practise surveillance techniques that would make the HUAC drool in envy.

So it was interesting to immerse myself in this time period, but probably even better was just living with Phoebe and Hannah for a while. Stratford gives us two strong yet very distinct women. Phoebe is headstrong but young, and she feels an immense sense of responsibility towards her sister, who is immuno-compromised and lives in a sanitarium at Phoebe’s expense. Hannah is older, more experienced, has a husband and two children—her struggle is with her sense of responsibility over the people she has chosen to bring in to write for her and her company in general. Whereas Phoebe debates whether or not she wants a relationship, Hannah debates whether or not her relationship can survive her being a working mother.

Of those two stories, I found Hannah’s more interesting. My aro/ace self was less interested in Phoebe’s romance arc. It would have been nice if the story were to confirm her choice to be a single, working woman—but I do like the decision she makes at the end, regarding her marital status—I thought that was very mature. Hannah’s story, on the other hand, is extremely predictable: 1950s husband is jealous of his wife’s success, feels emasculated, etc. Nevertheless, Stratford writes this with such feeling that you can’t help but be drawn into the messiness of Hannah’s emotions as she processes this upheaval in her life.

My only complaint is probably about the writing style in general. I don’t remember if this was an issue with Radio Girls, but in this book, there is an awful lot of telling rather than showing. This creates a kind of distance from the main characters, which can undermine my observation above regarding the amount of feeling on the page. In the same way, some of the more antagonistic characters are far too flat and one-dimensional—I’m including Charlie Morrison here, along with the Hound guy.

Red Letter Days would, like Stratford’s earlier novel, make an excellent film adaptation. It has the story, the characters, the setting—everything you need. It also has the heart. All these elements mean that I am more than willing to overlook those little stylistic issues that occasionally jarred me. When you get right down to it, this is a story of adventure and betrayal at a time in history that I needed to know more about. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Originally posted on Kara.Reviews, where you can easily browse all my reviews and subscribe to my newsletter.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely solid and compelling historical fiction, grounded in true stories and good writing. With relative economy of words, the author creates scene after scene that you can really see in your mind.

I love fiction that expands on the bare-bones knowledge I have of various points in history, and makes them come alive. And I find my way in to the story when there’s a relatable, intelligent, self-aware heroine. Check, and check, this book does both.

My knowledge of the “McCarthyism” of the 1950’s could be summed up in a couple of sentences filed away in my brain from English class 20 years ago... A time when people believed there was a communist on every street corner, and even the briefest hint of a “Red” sympathy was enough to get a person blacklisted from employment, and hauled up before congress to testify, and hopefully name other names. The pressure was intense: point the finger at friends and workmates to prove your loyalty, or see your life and reputation in ruins. And possibly go to prison.

In this story, Phoebe Adler is an up-and-coming writer for a third-rate TV show. Just as it seems that she’s about to go places, she finds out she’s been named as a suspected communist.

Phoebe needs to work, but not just for herself. She’s supporting her seriously ill sister in a nursing home, and cannot fathom what will happen to both of them if she responds to her subpoena and appears at a court hearing that offers virtually no way back to normal life.

So she runs. She flees to England, where there are whispers of a woman TV producer who may be able to help blacklisted American writers. This woman, along with many of the other characters Phoebe meets in England, and the daring project they embark on to earn their living, are based on fact. It’s such an interesting story, and such a sobering setting.

Content: Occasional PG/PG-13 type innuendo.

[Susan Pober · Rating 4 out of 5]

With so many people shouting about making America great again, one must realize that times that some thought were great were not great for everyone. When one thinks of the 1950's and the Eisenhower years, some people consider a perfect time as people started moving to the suburbs to live an Ozzie & Harriet life. But for many, the 50's were not at all great. Many parts of the country were still segregated & had Jim Crow laws.
And then there was the HUAC; the House Un-American Activities Committee.. The committee conducted witch hunts in an effort to rid the red tide of Communism from invading our country. It didn't matter if you were left-leaning or a card-carrying member, or even just knew someone who was, "Red Letter Days" by Sarah-Jane Stratford is about those days of terror. People from all walks of life were attacked - from famous actors, writers, musicians, as well as union leaders and your next door neighbor. This is the story of one young woman, Phoebe Adler, who fled the country because of unfounded attacks against her. (So-called friends & neighbors self-righteously would name names to get themselves off the hook.) The author writes about the reality of always having to look behind; of not knowing whom to trust; and of trying to create a new life, never knowing when it might all collapse around you. For readers who are not familiar with this period in U.S. history, this is an easy to read introduction to the subject. And you will want to find more to read about this scary time, which we can even see popping up in our country today.

[Peggyzbooksnmusic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4 stars. Review to follow.

Read on Kindle (own) while listening to Libby Audio. Enjoyable audio narration by Ilyana Kadushin. Historical fiction set in 1950's America and England during the infamous "Red Scare" when members of Congress were trying to root out Communist sympathizers or anyone with a liberal political leaning, African Americans, Jews, Gays, etc. Does this sound like what is happening in current American politics? Yep!

The main character, Phoebe Adler, is trying to make her mark in either TV or movies as a screenwriter. She's tagged as a possible Communist sympathizer so she escapes to England. She's hired by a female TV producer to check scripts for errors during filming.

There's a lot more to the plot but it's best for the reader to learn about other character's motives and how this all plays out so not posting any spoilers.

What I will post is that the TV show is "The Adventures of Robin Hood" which was a very popular show in the 1950's both in England & America. I'm in my mid 70's and both myself and husband LOVED this show as kids:) In fact for those who stream you can find all the episodes for free on the Roku App.

OK, so back to my review. I really enjoyed this novel. Wonderful characters and dialogue. Phoebe is a character that I was rooting to have a happy ending. She's spunky, loyal and someone I would like as a friend. This is the second novel I've read by this author and looking forward to more of her writing. Also, I would recommend reading the author's notes after finishing the book.

Some of my favorite quotes:

"We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! —Arthur Miller, The Crucible"

" I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year’s fashions. —Lillian Hellman"

"I believe in Liberty for all men: the space to stretch their arms and their souls, the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their friends, enjoy the sunshine, and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color; --W. E. B. Du Bois"

"When the other leftist journalists Hannah knew stopped expressing outrage—in fact, stopped discussing it altogether—that was when she became truly afraid."

"she just felt revulsion for all it was doing to her and so many others—this persecution in the name of patriotism."

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting subject, mediocre writing.

The dying sister subplot was a bit corny, and there were too many lucky coincidences. And I find it hilarious /horrific that the author has a character tell Our Heroine that they will have to clean some "modern language" from a script she has written when this Dear Author herself has Our Heroine go to a canteen for a cuppa, and refers to the server as a "barista." In London in the early 50s?

Also, in the afterward, the author is very proud of herself for having tucked in a Dorothy Sayers reference by having our Heroine meet someone at the "Egotist" Club. Dear Author, if you knew squat about gentlemen's clubs of the period, you'd know that women guests were not permitted .

And Dear Author, you are no D.L. Sayers.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

Dreary book set during the Dark Times of McCarthyism. a woman is blacklisted and goes to England. She befriends a woman television producer who hires blacklisted writers.

Didn't really do anything for me.

[Maine Colonial · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 1950s, there was a dangerous Communist under every bed, including those in radio, movies and television, at least if you believed gossip columnist Hedda Hopper and the members of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Actors, directors and writers were regularly hauled in for a HUAC show trial. The result of failure to cooperate was jail for contempt of congress, and many were blacklisted, losing their ability to work in the US. Blacklisted members of the entertainment community often wrote under assumed names or moved to Europe for work.

Writer Hannah Weinstein, a left-leaning writer, moved to London before HUAC could get to her. There, she established a production company called Sapphire, which created the wildly popular television series The Adventures of Robin Hood, which ran for four years on British television and on CBS in the US. Weinstein often used blacklisted writers, all using assumed names.

In this novel, the character Hannah Wolfson plays the Hannah Weinstein part. But she’s not the lead. That’s Phoebe Adler, a radio script writer who is subpoenaed by HUAC and flees to London, landing a job with the Robin Hood production and getting to know many in the American artistic community in exile.

The story starts unevenly. The dialog is a little stiff and expository, and the set-ups for later plot development seem contrived. But once we’re in London, things settle down into a smoother, more engaging plot. Phoebe is in an adventure of her own, what with becoming acclimated to a whole new culture, and meeting a teacher named Reg who has eyes for her. The action really takes off when Phoebe finds herself being stalked by American Red hunters, all the way across the pond, who are determined to get her back facing HUAC. This part of the story was positively cinematic.

An entertaining book for readers interested in historical fiction about sociopolitical life in the 1950s.

[Carol Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel set in the time of the HUAC witch hunts. I can't resist giving it a "5" rating.

It's the story of a young New York City Jewish woman writer who just has to write. She's uninterested in politics, but someone has claimed she's a Communist. She flees to England to escape testifying.

I hadn't realized that England was quite so critical of the U.S. blacklisting. That's good to know.

Phoebe, the protagonist, winds up working on the real television show The Adventures of Robin Hood, which was secretly written entirely by American writers on the blacklist. The show was perfect for depicting resistance. I was thrilled to learn that because it was one of my favorite shows when I was a child. I suppose it helped shape my values. In this book, I learned that the show was produced by a left-leaning American woman living in England.

If you want an entertaining story with very liberal values, this is a good choice.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Letter Days was my first book by this author, but I doubt it will be my last. LOVED this book! It is set about 10 years after WW2 in the mid-fifties during the second Red Scare and the blacklisting of many people in TV and film and during a time when the House Un-American Activities Committee and the FBI had a lot of power.

I loved that the story was about two women trying to make it in a man's profession (at that time) and how they were both often perceived as a threat (one to the point of being named as a communist when she really had no interest in politics at all). But it showed really clearly how un-American these people looking for communists had become in their efforts.

I loved that most of the book is set in London, during the time of Call the Midwives and the friendships that develop between these two American women living in London (though going on and on about the accents got to be a little too much). I thought the story had good pacing, I read most of it in about 2 days, because I just couldn't wait to find out what would happen. I fell in love with the characters and cried and yelled a few times because of the things that happened in the story. There was friendship, love, betrayals, men who were creeps, and men who were very, very good.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and I can honestly say that this was my favorite book I've read so far this year.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when historical fiction teaches about some obscure part of history that I never learned about in history class. This is one of those novels. Sure, I had learned about how the threat of communism in the United States was taken very, very seriously even to a ridiculous level. But I did not realize the extent it went to within the world of entertainment. Script writers were targeted and went to extreme measures to escape the interrogation and career destruction, even escaping to Great Britain and other locales. Add to this the fact that some of these writers were women and you have an extremely fascinating read in Red Letter Days. Author, Sarah-Jane Stratford researched this well and provides a piece of history that I very much appreciated.

[Katie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the characters and plot more with every page that I turned. By the end of the book, I boycotted the book because it just could NOT end yet. It’s such a great history lesson. I can see Claire Danes and Margot Robbie playing the main characters WHEN it becomes a movie!

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novel by Sarah-Jane Stratford I have the pleasure reading. Sarah-Jane’s writing is detailed and beautiful; it is perfectly suited for historical fiction. It shows that she researched the subject very well as she delivered a truthful account of the dark pursuits of the House Un-American Activities Committee (a.k.a. HUAC) and their hunt for communists in America in the ’50s. In this novel, we follow the story of Phoebe Adler, a writer, who is accused of being affiliated with the communist party. At her sister’s begging, she escapes to England and hopes that this madness will soon be over so she can return to America. While in London, she joins a group of Americans who, just like her, escaped the folly. They will become her allies, her friends, and her foes. But the FBI has long arms and her safety is soon jeopardized. Will Phoebe ever be safe?

I enjoyed the book and the characters. I recently read a book by Fiona Davis on the same subject and it somewhat stole the novelty from this book. It was however interesting to see the point of view of those who decided to escape the prosecution by going to England and how they fought this injustice. Overall, it is an enjoyable read and I recommend it to the historical fiction lovers.

🙋🏼‍♀️ Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy of this beautiful novel. 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 by Sarah-Jane Stratford will be available at your favourite bookstore on February 25, 2020.


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[aindy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The plot was very interesting and I liked the characters (especially Mona), but I wasn't a big fan of the romance.

[Vasos Vassiliou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting piece of history

Very interesting piece of history. The reason I like historical fiction really. The characters could use a bit of further development. It seems that the book ends in a rush. The British aristocrat appears like a Deus ex machina and resolves the issues.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a WONDERFUL book. I couldn't put it down. While many have written about WW2 and the Sixties, the period between the two, when McCarthyism flourished and many people were persecuted and stripped from their careers, because of "Communist" leanings, was a lesser known but poisonous time in our country's history. What I didn't know was that so many Americans suffering under the Blacklist decamped for Britain. I know that now. And I can't wait to talk to Sarah-Jane about all of it. Join us this weekend, March 6, 2020, on my Second Sunday Books Podcast (Soundcloud or Anchor FM or wherever you get your podcasts).

[BookTrib.com]

Red Letter Days (Berkley) by Sarah-Jane Stratford is a vivid portrayal of artistic life during the Red Scare and the challenges women screenwriters faced in the era’s entertainment industry. It is also a witty and harrowing tale of intrigue, friendship and romance.

Phoebe Adler is making her way as a female television writer in 1955 when she finds herself subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Phoebe’s saucy and loving sister is deathly ill, and she laments having to leave her behind. However, unable to work in America and betrayed by neighbors and friends who instantaneously ostracize her, Phoebe books passage on a ship bound for London, where a tight-knit group of blacklisted refugees has been gathering. Upon settling in, resourceful Phoebe tracks down Hannah Wolfson, a fellow expat and television producer sympathetic to her plight. Together the women launch a kids’ show based on Robin Hood, with cheeky storylines that provide an implicit criticism of the hysteria back in the States. Phoebe soon proves herself, and she and Hannah form a tight bond.

Stratford imbues the text with lively energy and a wry voice as she illuminates the sexism that both of her main protagonists face. For example, in reference to disposable female television characters, the narrator says, “… the censors preferred it when a bad girl [on a show] was killed if there wasn’t time to reform before the commercials ran.” A nimble stylist, Stratford’s (sneakily feminist) dialogue suits her quick-witted and hard-boiled broads, as if lifted from classic films like His Girl Friday. For instance, when confronting a man who asks Phoebe if he should call her a cab, she replies, “I’ve been called worse.”

In spite of its constant and quickly escalating dangers — tapped phones and shady men lurking in trench coats — Phoebe’s new life abroad has its bright spots, including a growing romance. Upon meeting her beau, the narrator says, “He had a mole on his cheek and could fence with that nose. A detail Phoebe found rather appealing.” FBI investigators and meddling reporters scrutinize the show, whose writers are all working under assumed names, and Phoebe is all but certain to be nabbed. She and Hannah face an ultimate test to their joint resourcefulness.

Stratford displays an impressive ability for illuminating the 1950s in both its grit and its charm. Nostalgic for the New York she’s left behind, Phoebe thinks of “her favorite Midtown diner, flossy, bright loud. A fat red stool and a white-capped counterman asking her in a good-natured holler, ‘What’ll it be, honey?’” She also ably portrays the dark days of surveillance and paranoia. Careers and friendships crumbled during the thirteen agonizing years of Red Madness, ensnaring any number of innocents, including anyone who vocally “touted the virtues of the New Deal” or joined a union, which accounts for the legions of Hollywood writers who found themselves exiled. However, Phoebe and Hannah’s story is no time capsule. As Stratford writers in her Author’s Note, “It is staggering to think of the United States, emerging victorious and a superpower at the end of World War II, should have been so afraid of the spread of Communism that it would start persecuting its own citizens.” Indeed, similar to the Robin Hood show with its social critique wrapped in a palatable form, Red Letter Days is a timeless and relevant story about the dangers of bias, conformity and groupthink.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book finds us in the mid-twentieth century, shortly after WWII when women went back to the home after building airplanes. In New York we find our main character Phoebe Adler, a self-confident woman making her way was a writer, supporting herself and her sister Mona with health problems that has Mona living in a sanatorium. The red scare is the dominant thrust of the story, and Phoebe finds herself targeted even though she is not political at all. Upon the advice of friends she quickly flees New York after being subpoenaed, and lands in London.

The story also follows another with Hanna Wolfson, also an American in London, although married with two young kids. Her husband has money and helps Hannah set up a studio that soon develops a hit television series. Hannah purposefully hires blacklisted writers, using pseudonyms, and with her new series hopes to subvert the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Phoebe was advised to seek out Hanna, who hires her temporarily as a script reader on set until she can get established.

While the book is mainly focused on Phoebe we do get some of Hanna’s life. Although she’s a mother of two, she makes juggling her work with her kids and still remain happily married. Slowly we are to realize that Hannah’s husband isn’t feeling the same with remarks about women being a wife and mother, not out in the workplace. This becomes a major undertone in the book, women taking on working roles. We see both women attacked for being in the workforce, more so with Phoebe since she is unmarried.

Even with living in England the Americans are still under threat. Phoebe finds herself being followed. A reporter comes for an unexpected visit to the studio set hoping to catch a known red director. The action keeps everyone on their toes, especially the reader.

Despite all the excitement that keeps going, I found the beginning of the book somewhat on a light breezy tone. I found that odd since the subject matter was anything but. Somehow it didn’t seem serious. As the book progressed that changed. Perhaps it was the main character, Phoebe who liked to make jokes, sort of the smart aleck type, the brainy type that often annoyed. I’m not entirely sure.

Overall I found the book to be well written and engaging. There were times when I had to put the book down, but was quite reluctant to do so.

I particularly enjoyed the author’s note at the end where she detailed what was taken from real life and the bits she made up to make this an interesting read.


Thanks to Berkley Publishing/Penguin Random House and NetGalley for an uncorrected electronic advance review copy of this book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and if historical fiction is your thing, I think it is a great pick! For whatever reason, I’m having trouble focusing on historical fiction lately (could it be these ~unprecedented times~???) so it took me longer to get through this one than I expected. BUT I did really enjoy the story, especially the main character Phoebe. She was so well written and honestly hilarious! I could hear her voice so well in my head. I also have never read a novel about the red scare, so that was very interesting and new for me.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read about how those with a career in the Arts during the “red scare” in the US feared for their lives, careers and who to trust. Many fled across the ocean to try and salvage themselves from the damage already done. Well written novel about how two women, in a way best the US at their ridiculous ridicule of accusing and assuming things that were not true. Thank you to Shelf Awareness for the arc!

[Irena Papst · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m not usually interested in historical fiction, but i found myself (mostly) gripped by this story. it was slow at times and parts of the end felt a little inconsistent with the rest of the story (specifically hannah’s denouement), but i liked the attention to detail and how carefully the time period was woven into the story.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one took me by surprise. Just when I thought it was going to be a mundane book where nothing really happens, I was taken on an adventure and met some really amazing people. I learned a lot about the red scare, which I had heard of but didn’t really know what it was really about. There was a little bit of romance but it didn’t take away from the premise of the book. 4.33 stars (😉Sam)

[Lisa of Hopewell]

I learned of this book here: https://www.popsugar.com/entertainmen...