As always, Fiona Davis delivers in this startling story about life post-WWII in the theater industry in NYC. This was a time when the FBI and USA government was going crazy about finding the infiltrating communists. So much so that they accused innocent people and ruined many people's lives. Davis does a fabulous job of telling this story.

The Chelsea Hotel
Yes it's a real place. And yes it hosted many celebrities and artists (of all kinds) over the years. I love the little drops of descriptions during the book that are clearly famous people you likely know; but Davis doesn't use their names as our (fictional) characters don't know these celebs at this time. This hotel is noted for many crazy events; but perhaps most famous for being where Sid Vicious (of the Sex Pistols) is said to have murdered Nancy Spungen in the 1970's.
I love how Davis always chooses a prominent, historical building to feature in her stories. In this case the Chelsea Hotel feels like a character at times. As though the hotel is living, breathing, and dictating people's lives. Is it fate or the hotel pushing who ends up in an elevator together and/or who chooses to stay overnight? I love the drama of it and the mystery it creates.
"The Chelsea Hotel. A 'she', like a lumbering redbrick ship filled with foolish dreamers,"

Fiction vs Truth
As with so many historical books these days the core story and characters are fiction; but a lot of truth is incorporated. Davis describes her inspirations at the back of the book and gives a fulsome list of resources she used to research the historical events and people of the time. For me nothing felt off, although the communist hunt is not something I know about super well. What is important in the end is that the stories of our fictional characters could be 100% true and are certainly truthful in many ways. And of course the power struggles, greed, and selfishness of those with even a tiny bit of power are still very true today.
"The world is run by men who want power, who will say anything to attain it, and do anything to retain it."

Scary Truths, Even for Today
As I type this it is March 23, 2020 and we are in the midst of the COVID-19 virus crisis with no known 'end' in sight. Civil liberties are being taken away from many as areas lock down all unnecessary movement in entire countries! The slippery slope mentioned in the quote below certainly rang true to me; as governments are making the best decisions they can in this unknown playing field. I imagine this is not unlike the choice by many European countries to surrendered to the Nazis in WWII or when to enter into another war (the Korean War is mentioned a number of times). And it's certainly true that people were hunted down for being suspected communists, detained unjustly with no actual evidence, and pressured into false confessions during this time. All pieces of the story Davis touches on; and all possible scary realities that may be in our (not so) near future.
"Of course, she had nothing to hide. But it was the principle of the matter, the slippery slope into censorship, that irked her to no end."

Overall
I believe I would have loved this book regardless of what is happening in the world today. It was just 'luck' that it came up for me to read at this moment. The Chelsea Girls felt like the perfect read to draw parallels between then and now; but also gave a sense of security. I don't believe agents are banging on doors accusing people unfairly of treason in Canada and so at least one piece of the past will hopefully not repeat itself.
The Cold War saw many things happen that would have been unthinkable prior to WWII; and today is no different. We are always living in unprecedented times. The thing about history is that we should ensure we pay attention and learn from it. The below quote really resonated with me in the end; even though I believe lock downs are the only way to fight the virus it is a sobering thought that we have reached this point in 2020.
"We must promise to be vigilant against our own worst tendencies. Only by doing so will our country sustain it's ideals of freedom."

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

Fiona Davis draws you in with focusing on the Chelsea Hotel in NYC and how it provided actors, directors,playwrights and musicians the opportunity to shine during the uncertain times of the Red Scare of the McCarthy era. This story is told though the eyes of Hazel, an actress and playwright and Maxine, an actress, where they both met early on as actresses. Through their friendships, decisions, hardships, and betrayals, will their careers be in jeopardy or will they convince the FBI they are innocent and continue to succeed. This book will having you turning the pages to find out. Definitely worth putting on your TBR list.

The Chelsea Girls, a “what's going to happen next?" read about the friendship of two young women during the tumultuous and turbulent era from the mid 1940s to the mid 1970s. Maxine, an aspiring actress with a troubled past, and Hazel, a career understudy on Broadway, meet in Naples, Italy while performing in a USO show. Despite their dissimilar backgrounds, they form a solid bond that takes them from Naples to the Chelsea Hotel and Broadway in New York City. In an inexpected turn of events, their careers begin to reach new heights despite the rise of Sen. McCarthy's reign of terror. Will their friendship survive the blacklisting that ensued?
A remarkable book that gets better with each page, told from the viewpoint of both Maxine and Hazel.

I will admit, the second half of the twentieth century is definitely a blind spot for me, history wise. I’ve got a general idea of the Cold War, but other than the British royals, I’m lost. I wasn’t sure if this would affect my reading of The Chelsea Girls. However, I’m happy to say that I loved this book. Davis does an incredible job of weaving in the history and the general “points” of the period without feeling like a textbook. (Yes, I was spurred to do more reading afterwards, but I didn’t have to stop reading to Google anything.) As an historian, I more than appreciate that she provides a short bibliography at the end including her own sources if you want to read further.

Hazel and Maxine are two very complex characters. I thought I “knew” within the first few chapters, but they continued to grow and evolve from start to finish. They also both felt like real people that you would actually know, which I find somewhat rare. My only slight quibble is that I would have enjoyed a slightly longer ending with both of them. However, even without that, they were some of the most compelling characters that I’ve ever read, and when I was reading more on McCarthyism after, Hazel and Maxine gave me a much better sense on what individuals would have gone through. If you love strong characters, you need to read The Chelsea Girls.

The story is set in the Chelsea Hotel, a NYC historic landmark and chronicles the relationship of Hazel, an actress turned play write and Maxine, friend and leading lady. Beginning with their time in the USO at the end of WWII through the 1950s and the era of McCarthyism. As a fan of Fiona Davis and her historical fiction, this book doesn't disappoint.

Trigger warnings: suicide, drug overdose

1945: The book begins in Italy during World War II, where Hazel is performing for the USO. There she meets tough-as-nails Maxine, who is running the show. Maxine tells Hazel about the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. Hazel has an encounter with a young German boy that inspires her to write a play.

1950: After the war, Hazel returns to New York and Maxine goes to LA. Hazel has a fight with her overbearing mother, so she leaves and checks in to the Chelsea Hotel. There she makes connections in the industry and is able to get her script to New York producers. Maxine comes to visit Hazel and stays a while at the Chelsea.

Suspicion is everywhere in America; people have joined the Communist party and are selling secrets to Russia. The lens of suspicion falls on Broadway, and the fear affects Hazel's production. Hazel follows a man who has an epileptic seizure; the man turns out to be an agent for the House Un-American Activities Committee named Charlie. He comes to the play's rehearsals to inspect the production and cast for communist activity.

1967: Hazel is still living in the Chelsea Hotel, but the atmosphere of the place has changed. The residents are more likely to be rock stars or film stars than composers or stage actors. The theatre world has returned to normal after the scares of communism. Maxine has left for California and is a big movie star.

The women's stories have highs and lows, in turns tragic and triumphant. Their friendship is sometimes close and other times nonexistent. For the entirety of their story, the Chelsea Hotel is a silent observer.

Recommended for fans of midcentury historical fiction or New York City. Readers who enjoy the espionage involved during the era of communist fears in America will also appreciate the novel.

Wow! This was the second book by Davis that I have read. She writes some amazing historical fiction that really grabs your attention.

It was very interesting to read about the topic of political parties and the interrogation that was happening back in the 1950's and also seeing how volitile the political climate still is even to this day.

I was so captured by the story that I finished it in one sitting! I definitely recommend giving this a read!

Fiona Davis' books are treasures. Her research is impeccable and beautifully presented in a way that is always appealing and wanting to know more.

This period of history resonates with today's political energy.

I loved the friendsihp shared by these women and enjoyed their journey.

Reading about The Chelsea Hotel is always a treat and Ms.Davis has added another layer to the legendary hotel's mystery.

Set in The Chelsea Hotel in 1950's New York, Fiona Davis tells the story of two friends, Hazel and Maxine, as they navigate the glitz and glamour of the New York theater scene. Hazel soon discovers her talents as a playwright, and with Maxine as the leading lady, they begin their journey to Broadway fame. However, 1950's New York is a dangerous place, with the Red Scare and the hunt for communists infecting the political landscape, no one is safe. Will these two women succumb to the very real, but invisible dangers that threaten everything they know about the world?

I've read a number of Fiona Davis's book, and this one did not disappoint. It was fun, filled with twists and turns, and I connected with the characters. I really enjoyed The Chelsea Girls, it was a fun and entertaining read!

Told in alternating chapters between two actresses who meet during a USO tour in Naples. Maxine and Hazel become fast friends who endure the red letters and the blacklisting of the entertainment industry accused of communism. Davis cites many historical references in this well researched time frame. The characters are well drawn and the era well represented in details of dress and place at The Chelsea.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

Over the summer I read Lions of fifth Ave and love this so much so when I saw that the author had other books out I couldn’t click “ request” fast enough .
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This story follows Hazel and Maxine two actress trying to make it with the industry . They meet near the end of WWII while acting in a play to entertain the troops . They quickly formed a friendship and upon returning back to the states they took up residence at the Chelsea Hotel , home to a wide range of artist.
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Using her experience from the War , Hazel writes a play and Maxine is cast as the lead, but as thing seems to be looking up, they are under suspicious for having communist connections . Their live is turned upside down as they’re black listed from the entertainment industries. These two must navigate life the best way they can, even if the decisions they make shatter their friendship for good.
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This story started a bit slow , I wasn’t sure where this was going , but I’m so happy I stuck around for the ride . It was an interesting story, I just wish I was able to grow with the character and know them more . This story is inspired by true events, so I will definitely research to get more information .

I know this is an older title but I loved this book. I love Fiona Davis and none of her books have ever let me down. I looove the new cover too.

I was happy to receive an ARC of the new paperback version. I love the cover.

Wow, 5 stars??? Yes, 5 stars and let me tell you why.
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When I was more than half way through, I felt The Chelsea Girls was going to be a 4 star read but by the time I read the last page, I had a change of heart. I finished The Chelsea Girls feeling one way when I should have felt another and that is why this book earns 5 stars. I was rooting for Hazel and Maxine the whole time. I do not want to spoil anything but it’s a wonderful feeling to be reading a book and then you are surprised by something you didn’t see coming.
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Fiona Davis is a wonderful historical fiction writer and usually her books alternate between two different characters in two different time periods but with The Chelsea Girls, there’s two characters in the same time period. Sometimes when an author decides to do something different, it can fall flat. That is not at all the case here.
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Fiona Davis does an excellent job of making landmarks come to life. I love that I have to research and read about the landmarks in her books because she makes me want to know more and visit.
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You will want to stay at the Chelsea after reading this book. Also, kick a** female characters and friendship are always a 👍🏼. Thank you Fiona Davis for another 5 star read.