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lele21's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
katietozer's review
5.0
What a great story. The pace is fast without being at all shallow and the world is so well researched that I learned a lot even as I rapdily turned pages!
kbmidura's review
3.0
I like Fiona Davis' books more for the historical detail than for the characters, and in that way this book did not disappoint. She clearly has a formula for writing these books: the characters are never entirely believable, but the plot is designed to work in a lot of New York atmosphere from different eras. It works as far as it goes.
This book was focused on McCarthyism of the 1950s. I know enough about that era to say that Davis did a good job of showing the dilemma that those in the entertainment industry faced during those times. The topic is relevant to day, which is no doubt why she chose it.
If you are interested in learning more about that period in American history, you will enjoy this book.
This book was focused on McCarthyism of the 1950s. I know enough about that era to say that Davis did a good job of showing the dilemma that those in the entertainment industry faced during those times. The topic is relevant to day, which is no doubt why she chose it.
If you are interested in learning more about that period in American history, you will enjoy this book.
wasupe12's review
5.0
The setting is the McCarthy era and the practice of accusing people/groups of communism, treason and other subversions without evidence. "Chelsea Girls" focuses on the entertainment industry. I wasn't familiar with this time in our history and found this novel enlightening.
The book name "Chelsea Girls" is after the Chelsea Hotel, where artists and freethinkers lived during this area. Hazel and Maxine live here and are part of the Broadway theater scene. The drama comes from both women being named on a list of Communist sympathizers and how their careers and relationships are affected.
This is my 2nd Fiona Davis novel, and very impressed with her writing.
The book name "Chelsea Girls" is after the Chelsea Hotel, where artists and freethinkers lived during this area. Hazel and Maxine live here and are part of the Broadway theater scene. The drama comes from both women being named on a list of Communist sympathizers and how their careers and relationships are affected.
This is my 2nd Fiona Davis novel, and very impressed with her writing.
katmpls's review
3.0
Started meh, ended more iterating than expected. Hazel and Maxine meet on uso tour in 30’s. Then work on broadway in 50’s during macarthy witch hunt.
booksuzi54's review
4.0
I loved this story of young women who spent WWII entertaining the troops as part of the USO, and travels with them through the war years into the 1950s and the era of the RED SCARE, aka: McCarthy-ism. It culminates in 1968 as the characters come to terms with their choices and how those choices affected those around them.
I enjoyed the drama and the bits of our--USA--darker history in regard to freedom of speech and false facts.
I enjoyed the drama and the bits of our--USA--darker history in regard to freedom of speech and false facts.
chattynattyreads's review
3.0
3 1/2 stars. I’ve read all of her books and continue to be impressed with the way she weaves in historical fiction to her story line. I’m also interested in knowing what woman has done her wrong in life because she writes about female friendships gone amuck very well.
This book takes place primarily in the 1950’s when NYC Broadway theatre directors, actors and actresses along with other creative forces were being black listed as communists.
Hazel is a playwright and director. Maxine is her best friend and leading lady in her directorial debut. They live in the Chelsea hotel. The Chelsea hotel is an intriguing backdrop and houses so many creative artists all with their unique stories. I think you know or can imagine what happens to Hazel and Maxine.
This book was not my favorite of Fiona Davis’. I really liked Hazel’s character but struggled with connecting to Maxine’s. I also thought the ending was little abrupt and left me wanting a better resolution.
This book takes place primarily in the 1950’s when NYC Broadway theatre directors, actors and actresses along with other creative forces were being black listed as communists.
Hazel is a playwright and director. Maxine is her best friend and leading lady in her directorial debut. They live in the Chelsea hotel. The Chelsea hotel is an intriguing backdrop and houses so many creative artists all with their unique stories. I think you know or can imagine what happens to Hazel and Maxine.
This book was not my favorite of Fiona Davis’. I really liked Hazel’s character but struggled with connecting to Maxine’s. I also thought the ending was little abrupt and left me wanting a better resolution.
erinlgreads's review
4.0
The Chelsea Girls is the story of 2 friends who endure love, lies and heartache over the course of nearly 20 years set against the backdrop of the 1950's New York theater scene.
Fiona Davis, who is becoming a master of the historical drama genre has gifted us with another dazzling drama that breaks your heart with every page turned.
Fiona Davis, who is becoming a master of the historical drama genre has gifted us with another dazzling drama that breaks your heart with every page turned.
wengergal's review
4.0
Fiona Davis brings to life the story of USO performers, NYC, and the theater in a great historical fiction. I especially enjoyed the friendship of Hazel and Maxine starting as USO performers and as it continued in NYC.
As with The Address and the Dakota, The Chelsea Girls Davis brings to life the history of The Chelsea Hotel. I knew little about this hotel but found the history to be fascinating.
Davis once again did not disappoint.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
As with The Address and the Dakota, The Chelsea Girls Davis brings to life the history of The Chelsea Hotel. I knew little about this hotel but found the history to be fascinating.
Davis once again did not disappoint.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
maegan_mccrea's review
1.0
I couldn’t finish this book. I’ve loved all of Fiona Davis’ other books but this feels like someone else wrote it. The character development is nonexistent, the story jumps without explanation, and the plot feels forced and contrived.