Publication
New York : Random House Large Print, [2019]
Collection
Call number
Large Print Fiction D
Physical description
466 p.; 24 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
"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"--… (more)
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User reviews
LibraryThing member teachlz
Linda's Book Obsession Reviews "The Chelsea Girls" by Fiona Davis, Dutton, July 2019
Kudos to Fiona Davis, Author of "The Chelsea Girls" for writing such intriguing, intense, captivating, riveting, enthralling, historical and entertaining novel. The Genres for this Novel are Historical Fiction and
Hazel Ripley first meets Maxine Mead in a USO tour during World War Two in Italy. The two work together to entertain the troops and then do a radio show. Up to this point, Hazel has been an understudy in the theater. Both seem to work well together.
The Chelsea Hotel has been historically known as the hub for creativity. Writers, musicians, actors, artists, and others have been known to stay there. New York City is where the Chelsea Hotel is located. After the war, Hazel goes to The Chelsea hotel hoping to be a playwright. Hazel does write a play, and Maxine returns to become one of the actors in the play. Unfortunately, the political times are not stable in the entertainment history. Senator Joseph McCarthy is looking at the industry for communists. There is a book that blacklists suspected people in this industry.
In this amazing story, there is espionage, love, betrayal, danger, and shattered dreams and hopes. I highly recommend this intense thought-provoking novel.
Kudos to Fiona Davis, Author of "The Chelsea Girls" for writing such intriguing, intense, captivating, riveting, enthralling, historical and entertaining novel. The Genres for this Novel are Historical Fiction and
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Fiction. The author writes about The Chelsea Hotel and its history, and the entertainment industry. In a good portion of the novel the McCarthy era, and witch hunt for Communists is mentioned. Fiona Davis vividly describes the architecture, landscape, and characters in her novel. The dramatic cast of characters are described as complex and complicated. There are betrayals and danger. Friendship is one of the themes in this novel, and the timeline is approximately 20 years. Hazel Ripley first meets Maxine Mead in a USO tour during World War Two in Italy. The two work together to entertain the troops and then do a radio show. Up to this point, Hazel has been an understudy in the theater. Both seem to work well together.
The Chelsea Hotel has been historically known as the hub for creativity. Writers, musicians, actors, artists, and others have been known to stay there. New York City is where the Chelsea Hotel is located. After the war, Hazel goes to The Chelsea hotel hoping to be a playwright. Hazel does write a play, and Maxine returns to become one of the actors in the play. Unfortunately, the political times are not stable in the entertainment history. Senator Joseph McCarthy is looking at the industry for communists. There is a book that blacklists suspected people in this industry.
In this amazing story, there is espionage, love, betrayal, danger, and shattered dreams and hopes. I highly recommend this intense thought-provoking novel.
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LibraryThing member BettyTaylor56
I loved this book! Strong female friendships, history, intrigue, romance, conflicting loyalties – Davis covers it all. And if you have problem following the dual timelines, this book does not do that. While presented with the alternating perspectives of Hazel and Maxine, the superb character
Hazel and Maxine meet in 1945 while they are both on a USO tour and quickly become fast friends. When the war is over hazel and Maxine go their separate ways. But then in 1950 they reunite when Maxine, now a Hollywood starlet, moves to NYC and joins playwright Hazel at the Chelsea Hotel. Both seem destined for success until McCarthyism and accusations of being a Communist shake up the entertainment industry. Davis perfectly captures the sense of fear and intimidation that existed at that time.
I highly recommend this excellent book. This book was given to me by the publisher but all opinions are my own.
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development makes all the characters very real to the reader.Hazel and Maxine meet in 1945 while they are both on a USO tour and quickly become fast friends. When the war is over hazel and Maxine go their separate ways. But then in 1950 they reunite when Maxine, now a Hollywood starlet, moves to NYC and joins playwright Hazel at the Chelsea Hotel. Both seem destined for success until McCarthyism and accusations of being a Communist shake up the entertainment industry. Davis perfectly captures the sense of fear and intimidation that existed at that time.
I highly recommend this excellent book. This book was given to me by the publisher but all opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member susan0316
I read lots of historical fiction books but this is a time period that I haven't read much about in the past -- the early 50s when the government and McCarthy were trying to find and punish alleged communists in the entertainment business. I have read about what went on during this time period but
The three main characters of the book are:
-Hazel Riley who was a playwright. After acting as an understudy on Broadway and spending time in the USO in Europe during WWII, she finds that her true talent is in writing plays and gets a chance to open her play on Broadway.
-Maxine Mead is an actress. She met Hazel in Europe and they became close friends. She is going to star in Hazel's new play but will her secret life cause problems?
-The Chelsea Hotel is the third main character - it was New York City's creative oasis for the many artists, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and poets who have called it home. As the witch hunt for communists in the entertainment industry gets more frenzied, it becomes apparent that it will affect the lives of Hazel, Maxine and the clientele at the Chelsea. Will any of them be able to survive?
I found reading about this time period to be very interesting and enlightening. This book shows not only the glamour of life on Broadway during this time but also the pain and degradation brought about McCarthyism and how it affected so many people. I enjoyed the two main characters and the friendship between them and was hoping for the best for both of them.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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this book makes it more personal and is about how it affected so many people in the entertainment business who were never able to find work again.The three main characters of the book are:
-Hazel Riley who was a playwright. After acting as an understudy on Broadway and spending time in the USO in Europe during WWII, she finds that her true talent is in writing plays and gets a chance to open her play on Broadway.
-Maxine Mead is an actress. She met Hazel in Europe and they became close friends. She is going to star in Hazel's new play but will her secret life cause problems?
-The Chelsea Hotel is the third main character - it was New York City's creative oasis for the many artists, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and poets who have called it home. As the witch hunt for communists in the entertainment industry gets more frenzied, it becomes apparent that it will affect the lives of Hazel, Maxine and the clientele at the Chelsea. Will any of them be able to survive?
I found reading about this time period to be very interesting and enlightening. This book shows not only the glamour of life on Broadway during this time but also the pain and degradation brought about McCarthyism and how it affected so many people. I enjoyed the two main characters and the friendship between them and was hoping for the best for both of them.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member SilversReviews
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
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member CassiesBooksReader
The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis is Historical Fiction with romance, spies, intrigue, politics, suspense, friendship and betrayal. The story starts out in World War II with American‘s fighting the national socialists of Germany. The story continues into the 1950‘s with the fight against the
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.
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communist socialists from Russia stealing our technological secrets. It ends in the late 1960‘s with the effect on the characters lives caused by the socialist spies, the overzealous prosecution by the anti-socialists and by each person manipulating others to accomplish what they desire. I enjoyed the book especially because of all the historical information. At first the story seemed to be a slow starter but then the action started revealing more with each intriguing plot. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.
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LibraryThing member JanaRose1
Hazel and Maxine meet during WWII as USO girls. Maxine tells Hazel about her time living at the Chelsea Hotel, a place where New York's creative minds live. Once back in the states, Hazel moves to the Chelsea. An aspiring playwright, Hazel finds herself inspired by her surroundings. When her play
I don't want to give any of the book's secrets away. That being said, I didn't find Maxine to be a very believable character. She seemed a bit stereotypical and predictable. The plot seemed well paced, and the Chelsea Hotel was an interesting setting, but overall the story was lacking. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.
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is chosen to be produced, Maxine flits back onto the scene, taking the starring role in the play. At the same time, Joseph McCarthy and his cohorts begin targeting the artists of New York City. I don't want to give any of the book's secrets away. That being said, I didn't find Maxine to be a very believable character. She seemed a bit stereotypical and predictable. The plot seemed well paced, and the Chelsea Hotel was an interesting setting, but overall the story was lacking. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.
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LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
Since I started reading her novels, I've learned I could count on Fiona Davis to tell a good story and The Chelsea Girls is no exception. In this novel, she takes the reader into the world of Broadway of the 1950s, when the specter of communism and McCarthyism hung over the entertainment industry.
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The two main characters, Hazel and Maxine, are actresses who meet during USO tour during WWII. After the war, Hazel aims to be a playwright and Maxine eyes Hollywood stardom. However, as Hazel prepares for her first play to be staged on Broadway, with Maxine in one of the lead roles, both are draw into a web of blacklisting, spies, and intimidation as both of their careers are threatened. A good story, with plenty of dark history woven into it. Show Less
LibraryThing member Bettann
Enjoyed all her other books a lot more
LibraryThing member Alphawoman
After reading the hard hitting Hard Mouth this book was a relief. I liked the story and the history lesson about the red scare of the McCarthy era.
LibraryThing member brangwinn
Interesting historical fiction takes the reader to place the reader may not have explored. In this case, two USO entertainers strike up a friendship while in Naples after World War II. Returning to the US, Maxine roars off to Hollywood to fine fame, while Hazel remains in New York living in the
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Chelsea Hotel, a haven for the creative. Mix together Hazel’s play which is expected to open to good reviews, the Communist hunters of Senator McCarthy and his House of Unamerican Affairs committee, and the threat those in acting careers faced from this, Russian spies who show up in unexpected friends, and the story line is set for a look at the theater in the 1950’s. Although the characters at times seem a little shallow, the book is still worth reading. Show Less
LibraryThing member Fashion
A '50's glimpse into Midtown Manhattan and the social-political changes.
LibraryThing member jenn88
The Chelsea Hotel is the spot for artists, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and poets. Hazel Riley, a scene playwright, and actress Maxine Mead can't wait to get started on something amazing. But they're learning that it's not their lack of talent that's getting them nowhere, it's politics.
The Chelsea Girls spans from the 1940's to the 1960's. I'm not sure what I can say differently about this book from her others. They're all consistently wonderful and solid and it's safe to say that this author will never disappoint, ever! The ability to take me back to a place and time I've never lived in and allowing me to experience it so richly just amazes me. As with her other books I had to look up pictures and people and there's a lot of feelings that go with that as well. It's sad what some people went through.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for an ARC.
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A Red scare is sweeping across America, and a witch hunt for Communists has begun. The pressure to name names is building, and it's more than their Broadway dreams that will shatter. The Chelsea Girls spans from the 1940's to the 1960's. I'm not sure what I can say differently about this book from her others. They're all consistently wonderful and solid and it's safe to say that this author will never disappoint, ever! The ability to take me back to a place and time I've never lived in and allowing me to experience it so richly just amazes me. As with her other books I had to look up pictures and people and there's a lot of feelings that go with that as well. It's sad what some people went through.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for an ARC.
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LibraryThing member bookwyrmm
Davis is an amazing historical fiction writer, but this is missing the juxtaposition between past and closer present that is in her other novels.
LibraryThing member yourotherleft
The Chelsea Girls gets off to a very fast-paced start as Hazel, a perennial Broadway understudy lands in Italy to join the USO Tour, and she is catapulted immediately onto the stage. The action doesn't let up as Hazel and her new friend Maxine find themselves coming to the aid of a German boy
However, when the war ends and the two return to the states - Maxine to a burgeoning career in Hollywood and Hazel to New York City and her mother's oppressive disappointment, the story seems to lose some of its spark. The Chelsea Hotel and its denizens are well-wrought but Hazel's entrance onto the scene and her "inspired" career in writing and directing is too easily come by to the point of feeling contrived.
The two friends reunite to stage Hazel's Broadway debut, but there are forces at work that stand to rob Hazel of her fifteen minutes of fame. The communist hunting House Un-American Activities Committee puts Hazel in a different kind of spotlight, and leading lady Maxine's behavior becomes more and more bizarre until everything comes to a head on opening night. Unfortunately, both female main characters seem to grow more wooden instead of less as the story progresses. Hazel's responses to her circumstances seem to be ill-placed, not occurring when would seem natural but being delayed and then awkwardly inserted for dramatic effect.
Despite its failings, though, The Chelsea Girls successfully tackles an era of history that is often glossed over. Davis captures the paranoia running rampant in politics during the McCarthy era, the fear that an offhand remark could ruin a life, and the witch trial-esque interrogations where the only option seemed to be to name names or be taken to be a communist yourself. Between that and a well timed twist that I definitely wasn't expecting, I'd still recommend this book.
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suspected of being a spy. Hazel and Maxine's days with the USO tour are rendered with the sort of alternating mystique and heartbreak that you might expect of adventures in a new place, but one that is broken by war.However, when the war ends and the two return to the states - Maxine to a burgeoning career in Hollywood and Hazel to New York City and her mother's oppressive disappointment, the story seems to lose some of its spark. The Chelsea Hotel and its denizens are well-wrought but Hazel's entrance onto the scene and her "inspired" career in writing and directing is too easily come by to the point of feeling contrived.
The two friends reunite to stage Hazel's Broadway debut, but there are forces at work that stand to rob Hazel of her fifteen minutes of fame. The communist hunting House Un-American Activities Committee puts Hazel in a different kind of spotlight, and leading lady Maxine's behavior becomes more and more bizarre until everything comes to a head on opening night. Unfortunately, both female main characters seem to grow more wooden instead of less as the story progresses. Hazel's responses to her circumstances seem to be ill-placed, not occurring when would seem natural but being delayed and then awkwardly inserted for dramatic effect.
Despite its failings, though, The Chelsea Girls successfully tackles an era of history that is often glossed over. Davis captures the paranoia running rampant in politics during the McCarthy era, the fear that an offhand remark could ruin a life, and the witch trial-esque interrogations where the only option seemed to be to name names or be taken to be a communist yourself. Between that and a well timed twist that I definitely wasn't expecting, I'd still recommend this book.
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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis takes us back in time with Hazel Ripley and Maxine Mead. From 1945 through the late 1960s we join Hazel and Maxine on their journeys. Hazel joined the USO in 1945 to finally get a chance to be on stage instead of being an understudy. She meets Maxine Mead in Italy
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where she is the star performer of their all-female troupe. A terrible incident forms a bond between the ladies that aids them in their careers. The Chelsea Hotel in New York City is a haven for creative types (writers, artists, musicians, actors, singers, etc.). Hazel ends up at the Chelsea Hotel in 1950 when she needs a place to write a play that is bursting to come out. Maxine needs an escape from California and soon joins her. Hazel’s play is about to be produced when communism rears its ugly head and FBI agents are patrolling the Great White Way. The 1950s is not the best time to be in the entertainment industry as Senator McCarthy begins his witch hunt for communists. Many careers are ruined in McCarthy’s search. I thought The Chelsea Girls was well-written with developed characters. The author provides detailed descriptions which brings the characters and scenes to life. The pacing was gentle which went with the story. I like how the author made the Chelsea a character. It became a living and breathing entity. We get to know its history of the establishment along with the various characters who have lived and worked there. I enjoyed the variety of intriguing and lively characters that inhabited the hotel. It was interesting learning more about Broadway and how a play comes to life. Fiona Davis captured the time period along the feelings of the people being questioned and persecuted by McCarthy. The emotions poured from the pages. It was fascinating to read about this time period. It is not an era that is usually addressed in fiction. I liked that there was a good twist later in the book. We get to see two women whose friendship is tested during a tumultuous time. I do not want to say too much and spoil the story for you. The Chelsea Girls is a complex novel that transports readers to New York City during the 1950s and early 1960s. I am curious where Fiona Davis will take us next time. Show Less
LibraryThing member purple_pisces22
Fiona Davis is so unique in her subject and writing that it’s so refreshing to read. The Chelsea Girls had a bit of a different feel from her previous books though. I love that her books are based on real landmarks with a ton of history. The story is, of course, fictional, but fits perfectly with
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the era. Show Less
LibraryThing member purple_pisces22
Fiona Davis is so unique in her subject and writing that it’s so refreshing to read. The Chelsea Girls had a bit of a different feel from her previous books though. I love that her books are based on real landmarks with a ton of history. The story is, of course, fictional, but fits perfectly with
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the era. Show Less
LibraryThing member cherybear
The first portion of the book has Maxine and Hazel meeting and becoming friends during a USO tour. After the war, Maxine becomes a movie actress while Hazel writes a play and sets about getting it to the stage. A turn of events has Maxine starring in the play, and Hazel directing. There are two
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backdrops to the story: the Chelsea Hotel, where both live, and the Red Scare and blacklist. Who are the heroes and who the villains of the story? As in live, these answers are not so clear cut, so you will come to care for most of the main characters, who are well-written. The ending (or, what I thought was the ending), was a little too pat, and fairy tale "happily ever after" for me. But then the story continues for a little bit--and the real ending, which is sad, is more realistic. I enjoyed the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jynell
I loved reading this! I felt as though I was best friends with Hazel and Maxine, which I loved. Their activism and excitement for life made me enjoy them so much more.
Fiona Davis writes beautiful stories set in another time period and I enjoy immersing myself in them. This one in particular, was a
Anyone that enjoys historical fiction, the life of women in the 40's-60's,. the theater... would love this book.
Thank you for allowing me to read and give my honest opinion.
Fiona Davis writes beautiful stories set in another time period and I enjoy immersing myself in them. This one in particular, was a
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quick read and I was able to escape.Anyone that enjoys historical fiction, the life of women in the 40's-60's,. the theater... would love this book.
Thank you for allowing me to read and give my honest opinion.
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LibraryThing member lbswiener
The Chelsea Girls is a well written novel about two women and their love of acting. One became a successful screen star and the other had her life derailed by being Blacklisted during the McCarthy era. The author did a lot of research to make a compelling story. Consequently, the book received four
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stars in this review and is highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member clp412
I loved the alternating views of Hazel and Maxine. This was a different perspective with Historical Fiction and although it involved the war it had a different side from the theater's perspective. Both Maxine and Hazel were likable characters and I was immediately drawn in. I didn't know much about
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the Chelsea Hotel before reading this and loved the role it played in the book! Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton/Penguin Group Publishing for the opportunity to read this great book! Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2019
ISBN
9780593104248
Other editions
The Chelsea girls : a novel by Fiona Davis (Paper Book)