The Chelsea Girls

A Novel

By: Fiona Davis

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter, Hillary Huber

The bright lights of the theater district, the glamour and danger of 1950s New York, and the wild scene at the iconic Chelsea Hotel come together in a dazzling new novel about a twenty-year friendship that will irrevocably change two women's lives—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue.

From the dramatic redbrick facade to the sweeping staircase dripping with art, the Chelsea Hotel has long been New York City's creative oasis for the many artists, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and poets who have called it home—a scene playwright Hazel Riley and actress Maxine Mead are determined to use to their advantage. Yet they soon discover that the greatest obstacle to putting up a show on Broadway has nothing to do with their art, and everything to do with politics. A Red Scare is sweeping across America, and Senator Joseph McCarthy has started a witch hunt for communists, with those in the entertainment industry in the crosshairs. As the pressure builds to name names, it is more than Hazel and Maxine's Broadway dreams that may suffer as they grapple with the terrible consequences, but also their livelihood, their friendship, and even their freedom.

Quite the surprise!

The book was very enjoyable and with quite the unexpected turn! Also not what I expected. But this is one of many Fiona Davis books I have read and she did not disappoint. I did take a star away as it did seem to drag on in places.
It had me googling more information on the Chelsea Hotel, which for me is always a sign of a good HF book.
Narration was very well done.

Great plot

Like every part of this novel from the wonderful narrators to the beautifully written story

Fascinating!

Love a good historical fiction novel. Ms. Davis does not disappoint. She weaves a tale that is still in recent memory and brings it to life. What a terrible time in our country. Good to remember so we do not repeat it.

Great wartime and entertainment history '40s-'60s

I thoroughly loved the characters and Fiona Davis' descriptive way of writing, although this was not at the top of my favorites list. Having said that, I enjoy her writing so much and will still swarm to read/listen to the next book she puts out! This is a great story, steeped in historical events from the wartime '40s through the uninhibited '60s. It gave me additional insight into the Red Scare witch hunt that I didn't learn, or maybe retain, from history class as well as the entertainment business of the time periods. This is a book worth reading!

The Chelsea Girls

Throughout the pandemic I listened to almost all of author Fiona Davis‘s books. The stories came alive from the brilliant voices of the actors chosen to read her books and he story captivated me from beginning to end. Twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat . The attention to detail in the research that Fiona does enhances the story for me. Listening to the story I feel like I am being transported to the era that she is speaking about.