Sunday, October 13, 2019

The Chelsea Girls

A historical fiction novel that is a fascinating plot and keeps you reading until the very last page, written by Fiona Davis.

This is another fascinating historical novel taking the reader through history with a clever, fast paced plot.  This novel illustrates what happened in America after the war. About how McCarthyism became acceptable and believable in this country. 

Introducing readers to a group of young single girls who had performed for the troops in Europe, Davis sets the stage for three strong women who defied their parents and the conventions of  that time.  They loved the theatre and movies and craved fame. They travel to entertain the troops and all become friends.  They even try to go against  the army officers to save two young men who they believe are resistance fighters.   

After the war they meet up again at the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan and are pursuing careers in theatre. 
You are drawn into the world of the Chelsea Hotel and the women who lived there. It is fascinating to think that at that time, women really did not leave home for a career and live alone.  The hotel management was protective of their privacy.  They had sort of a quiet sorority of a kind there.  Then each women makes some choices that will change the course of history and their lives.  McCarthyism had really taken hold in the US and people did not know how to stand up to the accusations against them.  People were living in fear especially those who were in the media and show business. This book tries to show how you could get caught up in the mania and also how your could be ruined by the hysteria.

Each one has some secrets they are reluctant to share. As they negotiate life and love interests, their secrets will affect their lives and the lives of the others. 

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