terremax10's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
katiejohns's review
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, and War
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Death of parent
bak8382's review against another edition
3.0
The Chelsea Girls focuses on a time period that doesn't seem to be mentioned often in novels: the era where people were accused of being communists by the House UnAmerican Committee, and in the case of the entertainment world blacklisted from performing. The story is told in alternating chapters by both of the main characters. Hazel's story is based on a real-life woman, while Maxine's is told in a combination of narrating and diary entries. It's a super interesting time period, and I loved the setting of New York City's theater scene. The story takes a while to get going as the friendship between the two is set up during WWII. Maxine's relationship with Arthur was frustrating, even with the big reveal it didn't make a lot of sense why she was sticking around. It was a quick read, and had some nice discussion points for book club.
pjkerrison's review
5.0
4.8 rounded up (deservedly so)
My friend Carly told me the other day the three main reasons she loves Fiona Davis novels are:
1. Historical Fiction in NYC.
2. Dual time lines.
3. Kick ass female characters
Same, Carly. Same.
The Chelsea Girls is the latest of Davis’ books I listened to and although not set in dual timelines, it does cover a lot of ground from WWII through the McCarthy witch hunt and beyond.
Our leads - Hazel and Maxine, actresses who met in the USO at the tail end of WWII. One is a professional understudy on Broadway and aspiring playwright, the other a Hollywood starlet in the making.
Our backdrop - The Chelsea, the famed hotel which has served as temporary residence for notable artists of all kinds through the 20th century.
Our story - Hazel and Maxine, dozens (if not hundreds) of falsely accused actors and actresses in Hollywood. Now, these same accusatory tyrants are shifting their ignorance and hatred due east, to attack those prominent in NY theatre. Naturally, Hazel and Maxine are in the thick of it.
Although these characters are fictitious, so much of the stories told are based on truth. The research Davis did - and had to have done for it to move with such fluidity - struck me as remarkable. The Author’s Note at the.book’s conclusion fascinated me to the point that now there is no small handful of those titles on my TBR list.
Davis has beautifully crafted story of strong women. Brilliant women. Talented women. Crafty women. Brave women. Heartbroken women. Resilient women.
Yes. That’s it. That’s the word I sought. Resilient. Resilient women with character and backbone and no fear.
The Chelsea Girls is absolutely positively worth putting on your TBR list.
This is why, immediately after completing it, I jumped all over the next Davis audiobook that was available - Masterpiece - for me from the library app, Libby.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (and for those interested I liked it more than The Magnolia Palace which was wonderful ).
My friend Carly told me the other day the three main reasons she loves Fiona Davis novels are:
1. Historical Fiction in NYC.
2. Dual time lines.
3. Kick ass female characters
Same, Carly. Same.
The Chelsea Girls is the latest of Davis’ books I listened to and although not set in dual timelines, it does cover a lot of ground from WWII through the McCarthy witch hunt and beyond.
Our leads - Hazel and Maxine, actresses who met in the USO at the tail end of WWII. One is a professional understudy on Broadway and aspiring playwright, the other a Hollywood starlet in the making.
Our backdrop - The Chelsea, the famed hotel which has served as temporary residence for notable artists of all kinds through the 20th century.
Our story - Hazel and Maxine, dozens (if not hundreds) of falsely accused actors and actresses in Hollywood. Now, these same accusatory tyrants are shifting their ignorance and hatred due east, to attack those prominent in NY theatre. Naturally, Hazel and Maxine are in the thick of it.
Although these characters are fictitious, so much of the stories told are based on truth. The research Davis did - and had to have done for it to move with such fluidity - struck me as remarkable. The Author’s Note at the.book’s conclusion fascinated me to the point that now there is no small handful of those titles on my TBR list.
Davis has beautifully crafted story of strong women. Brilliant women. Talented women. Crafty women. Brave women. Heartbroken women. Resilient women.
Yes. That’s it. That’s the word I sought. Resilient. Resilient women with character and backbone and no fear.
The Chelsea Girls is absolutely positively worth putting on your TBR list.
This is why, immediately after completing it, I jumped all over the next Davis audiobook that was available - Masterpiece - for me from the library app, Libby.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (and for those interested I liked it more than The Magnolia Palace which was wonderful ).
jacieandbooks's review
5.0
Again, I just adore Davis’ books. She’s a fantastic writer, with complex characters and great twists. I did not see the big twist coming and I loved it. Also, really loved the minor character of Floyd. I did shed a tear for him. My one criticism (and maybe it’s so noticeable because I literally just commented the same thing on Ruta Sepetys newest book) is why in the world are these 2 MC’s still single after 17 years?? That just irks me and makes me feel bad that Hazel never found romance again?! I would’ve much preferred she found love at least.
alyssone's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
seoms's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
cajunliterarybelle's review against another edition
5.0
In a time period when new releases in historical fiction tend to focus on WWII, this book was refreshing in that the majority of the story focused on NYC during the 1950’s and the Red Scare. I relished in the friendship development between Maxine and Hazel, and I loved both their career journeys. The way Davis narrated the story, with Hazel’s being in third and Maxine’s portions being in first person, felt very appropriate for the secrets hidden and connections found as time progressed. Maxine’s diary entries made her character feel even more down-to-earth with a stronger sympathy felt toward her problems. I really enjoyed the way the complexities of the time period were presented and how Davis wove real people and their connections to McCarthyism into the novel. The whole thing felt extremely real, and I wanted to cry with the girls as they felt the harsh realities of the world. The twist towards the end was perfect … every twist. Nothing felt forced; all events felt natural within the plot. I will definitely read this author’s other works.