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 the 20-year friendship that will irrevocably change two women's lives - from the New York Times best-selling 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.

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.

©2019 Fiona Davis (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A spell-binding tale of a decades-long friendship between two talented women, presented against a backdrop of political conspiracy, infused with the glamour of Hollywood and Broadway, and set in that ramshackle headquarters of New York bohemia, the iconic Chelsea Hotel. In Chelsea Girls, the spirits of America’s mid-century arts scene rise up to frolic again. Brava!" (Sherill Tippins, author of Inside the Dream Palace: The Life and Times of New York’s Legendary Chelsea Hotel)

“The glitz and glamour of the Chelsea Hotel provides a perfect backdrop for Davis's story of friendship, ambition and behind-the-scenes theatrical intrigue. Hazel and Maxine are complex characters struggling with conflicting questions of loyalty, love and professional success in a turbulent time. Their story is both a sharp-eyed commentary on female friendship and a vivid glimpse into the life of a New York City icon.” (Shelf Awareness)

"Featuring vibrant, witty characters who not only weather but thrive in a dark period of American history, Davis’s tale of one friendship’s strength will stun and satisfy readers.” (Publishers Weekly)

Riveting

Fascinating story which was exceptionally well crafted and developed. I didn't want to get out of my car so I could listen to just a little more.

A good lesson for our time

Excellent factually based story that reflects on much of what is seen in today’s political environment. Frightening that it happened in our country but hopeful that we survived in spite of those who created and spread lies for their own purposes

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.

love

fun exciting love history compelling suspenseful cool neat turns love interesting good writing we cool

The Chelsea Girls

Davis did an amazing job revealing the devastation of the arts world in the USA during the Commie hunt era. That was fascinating. I knew of residential hotels before. And enjoyed her description of the Chelsea.
The voices were annoying.

absolutely wonderful!

This is one of the best books I've heard in a while and I have read lots of good ones. The story is written to perfect. This is a great one I will never forget!

Do Not Pass Up This One!!!

Absolutely phenomenal! I love period fiction and WWII area is one of my favorites. Ms. Davis did not disappoint. Also, My favorite narrator, Kirsten Potter was fabulous as always. This combination is a definite bullseye!!

Chelsea Girls

The 2 narraters were terrible. Made it difficult to continue to listen to the book.

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.