This was a fun book! Perfect for my seniors who love this time period and NYC. We are considering it for one of our monthly book discussions.

The Chelsea Girls revolves around the Chelsea Hotel in New York City, an historic hotel that had long been a haven for creative souls - artists, writers, musicians, actors…. In the 1940s many people found a home at the Chelsea but soon some of them were swept up in what has become known as “the red scare”. Spearheaded by Senator Joseph McCarthy, the hunt for communist sympathizers took an ugly turn, targeting the entertainment industry in both NYC and the West Coast. Ms Barton’s story spans a twenty-year period and the friendship of two of the Chelsea women: one who becomes an acclaimed actress and the other who evolves from actress to playwright and director. As they both begin to enjoy their new-found fame, they must also confront the real terror of the McCarthy era, which threatens their futures, their livelihoods and their very freedoms.

The Chelsea Girls is a rich depiction of this period of time. Ms Barton has captured the essence of what it was like to be a young and enthusiastic member of the theater community in New York City. Friendships were formed during rehearsals and performances but just as quickly disappeared as suspicions mounted during McCarthy’s investigations. And, during it all, the Chelsea Hotel continued to provide an oasis for its residents.

I have enjoyed reading Ms Barton’s other books, all of which feature a prominent building as the anchor for the story. Once again she has chosen an iconic NYC landmark to weave another spectacular story of friendship, perseverance and heartache.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

This was my first time reading bestselling novelist Davis (The Address, The Dollhouse), known for centering complex fictional stories around iconic addresses or buildings - her newest novel wonderfully showcasing the infamous bohemian haven for artists known as The Chelsea Hotel in New York City. The Chelsea Girls opens with Hazel's arrival in Naples, Italy in what would be the final months of WWII. A young woman from a theatrical family trying to find her own place in the theater, Hazel has joined the USO tour to escape the understudy hell she found herself trapped in, in New York - and soon meets the loud, flamboyant leader of her small theatrical group of USO ladies, Maxine. Hazel resents Maxine at first, even while sort of envying the woman her boldness and seeming lack of fear, and the two become friends, Maxine soon regaling the more naive Hazel with tales of her stay at The Chelsea Hotel back in her own New York days, making the place sound almost magical to the girl. Flash-forward to post-war New York in 1950, and though Maxine has ventured to California Hazel finds herself a little smothered by the memory of her more outgoing, talented older brother - killed during the war - via her mother, who always favored Ben. After an argument with mom, Hazel decides to break away for a few days' reprieve, remembering Maxine's story of the infamous Chelsea - and indeed, Hazel's arrival there, the reader's introduction to the hotel, is so beautifully written the hotel becomes a character in the novel, as well. It's no wonder that, even though Hazel does make up with her mother, she remains where she is, calling The Chelsea her new home even as the hotel seems to direct Hazel- at last - to her real passion: writing. But things are not entirely at peace in New York - in America - as Senator Joseph McCarthy's witch hunt for communist sympathizers grows in momentum from Los Angeles, eventually heading east as Hazel's hard work pays off in her play's mounting of a Broadway production ... just as Maxine, now a fairly famous film star from Hollywood, arrives back in New York and into Hazel's life as its potential star. Much of The Chelsea Girls deals with the blacklist and its aftermath; the lives, careers, and artistic works destroyed by the winds of fear-mongering and hate in the wake of the red scare. And while my own love for New York made the city and The Chelsea leap from nearly every page in this well-written novel, I just couldn't seem to emotionally connect with either Maxine, or especially Hazel, on a level necessary to be fully engaged in the story - which, I think, is why I was unable to fully suspend disbelief enough for certain twists and turns in the plot that (at least initially) seemed too convenient or unrealistic. As the story builds toward its climax, however, I was able to "buy into" the plot points a lot more (thanks to Davis's strong writing skills), by the end coming to a better understanding of the complexities of the friendship between Hazel and Maxine - but still wish I'd felt more bonded to either/both of these women, who for me never fully leapt to living, breathing life off the page. A wonderfully-written, meticulously-researched novel - also a worthy homage to New York City theater and The Chelsea itself - where maybe some more backstory, or time spent with Hazel and Maxine in their earlier years, might have left me more emotionally invested in their story. 3/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC. I loved The Masterpiece, The Residence, and the Dollhouse. In fact I did a book review about those three books. So I was excited to read Chelsea Girls. But I was very disappointed in this one. The story didn’t interest me nor did any of the characters. In the other books, the building itself was a character. I didn’t feel that much connection to the Chelsea. Very disappointed.

The Chelsea Girls spans from the 1940's to the 1960's. I'm not sure what I can say differently about this book from her others. They're all consistently wonderful and solid and it's safe to say that this author will never disappoint, ever! The ability to take me back to a place and time I've never lived in and allowing me to experience it so richly just amazes me. As with her other books I had to look up pictures and people and there's a lot of feelings that go with that as well. It's sad what some people went through.

Davis breathes life into yet another relic from New York's past. She unravels the world the way it was and shows us how it came to be what it is. This book highlights the struggles of the entertainment world as it reacted to the fear and terror associated with McCarthyism. Through the main characters Davis takes the reader on a journey of love and betrayal, expectations and disappointment, and ultimately, survival and forgiveness. The writing is so riveting that you will not want to put the book down. This is a fully immersive read and certainly not one that any historical fiction lover should miss.

An Iconic Hotel, Talented Women, and McCarthyism

Hazel Ripley was supposed to be an actress following in the footsteps of her famous family, but she’s never achieved better than understudy status. To try to improve her chance to shine, she joins a USO troop in Italy during WWII. There she meets Maxine Mead, a talented actress. Hazel also finds her calling, writing radio scripts for Maxine to read.

In the fifties, Hazel and Maxine come together again in the famous Chelsea Hotel. The gorgeous Victorian hotel has been famed for creative artists who lived there. Hazel has now written a play and Maxine is to star in it. Their hopes are high, but this is a volatile time in the entertainment industry. McCarthyism is sweeping the country and the girls are caught up in it.

For me, the best part of the book was the excellent descriptions of the Chelsea Hotel. I could see the art, the furnishings, and best of all the out of the way spaces and passages that are unique to the hotel. The author has done an excellent job of folding her substantial research into the story.

The history of the McCarthy era and the House Un-American Activities Committee was fascinating and gave a good background for the plot which centered around love, trust, freedom, and wartime memories affecting the main characters.

This is a good historical novel that well creates the era and showcases the famous Chelsea Hotel.

I received the book for this review from Net Galley.

What a fun, interesting place The Chelsea Hotel must have been.

Hazel was in a family of performers, but Hazel wasn’t a performer. Hazel was a playwrite.

We meet Hazel when she was on tour with the USO during the war. Hazel met many actors and became friends with them.

We follow Hazel as she moves out of her childhood home and into The Chelsea Hotel during the McCarthy Era. When her friend, Maxine, from the USO moves in too, their friendship is renewed.

The description of the hotel's decorations, the secret places and passages in it, and the furnishings was fascinating. The impeccable research Ms. Davis had to do definitely shows. I had do a bit of googling of the hotel myself. :)

History buffs and theater goers will again be treated to a very descriptive story line that has Ms. Davis taking you back in time.

I do have to say THE CHELSEA GIRLS was a bit tedious to read, but I loved the history of the hotel and its inhabitants. The characters in the book were believable and most were likable.

The ending was satisfying and nicely wrapped up the story line.. 4/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.

Wonderful historical fiction about friendship, trust and ultimate betrayal that spans from the end of WWII to the 1960's. A good look into the frightening time of the McCarthy era and life in the Chelsea Hotel. I was captivated from beginning to end. I love it when a book has me so interested in the historical setting that I spend time researching it myself. While reading this book, I had to look up The Chelsea Hotel. After viewing the many images of that grand hotel, I could picture in my mind these characters' comings and goings in this setting. Very enjoyable book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

Fiona Davis is the queen of historical fiction revolving around legendary NYC landmarks. She covered the Barbizon Hotel in "The Dollhouse," Grand Central Station in "The Masterpiece" and The Dakota in "The Address," and now she tackles The Chelsea Hotel in "The Chelsea Girls."

Hazel and Mazine meet while performing on a USO tour during WWII and reunite years later when they work together on a Broadway show. With the Red Scare taking hold, their friendship, artistic vision and livelihoods are tested by the government's crusade against Communism.

The story of how the theater community was impacted by the Black List and McCarthy's witch hunt is one I hadn't read about before and the plot kept me guessing. Having been fascinated by The Chelsea Hotel myself, I would have liked to learn more about it and its colorful inhabitants but the main characters help bring it and the era to life.

I really looked forward to this book and truly enjoyed it. I'm excited to see which iconic NYC spot Davis will write about next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to review this book, but it was not for me. I absolutely could not get into the story and gave up at 15% in.

Hazel Ripley, shaken from her brother, Ben's death in the war, tired of always being a Broadway understudy, and wanting to do something to help the war efforts, joins the USO efforts as an actress touring Italy to entertain and distract the troops. Thrown into the fire on her first day, she meets harsh and rude Maxine Mead as she is about to perform in her first play. Throughout their time during the war, they develop an unlikely friendship that lasts a lifetime. When the war ends, Hazel returns to New York and furiously begins writing a play inspired by Maxine and their experiences. Maxine heads to Hollywood to become a big screen star. After falling from grace several years later in Hollywood, Maxine returns to her roots in New York and convinces Hazel to give her the lead in her new play opening on Broadway. The country is on a witch hunt to find communists within the entertainment community and both Hazel and Maxine, along with a few of their friends are sucked into the controversy and blacklisted. When Hazel's play fails and her career ends, how does Maxine heads back to Hollywood still the star?

The Chelsea Girls is a moving story of friendship, forgiveness, and consequences. Hazel and Maxine have a deep friendship, but Maxine has been hiding secrets from Hazel their entire relationship. A shocking and unpredictable twist at the end that reveals these secrets. The beautiful, flowing writing, keeps the reader turning pages late into the night. If you enjoyed The Masterpiece or The Way of Beauty, this is a must read!

|Thank you to @NetGalley @duttonbooks #partner|
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The Chelsea Girls opens during WWII. The two main characters, Hazel and Maxine, meet on a USO tour in Italy and their friendship is born out of shared trials and circumstances. After the war they return to the states. Hazel returns to New York and her life in the theater world. Maxine goes to Hollywood to try and make it on the silver screen. The rest of the book follows the next 20 years as they endure separation, develop their own lives, and reunite on the stage in New York.
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The bulk of this story takes place during the McCarthy era which I found especially interesting as I haven't come across much historical fiction set during those years. I leaned a lot about a very tumultuous time for those caught up in the Red Scare accusations and blacklisting, especially when so many of the allegations were false. The fear that gripped a few powerful people and then engulfed the country is disturbing. I appreciate novels like The Chelsea Girls to help those of us who didn't live through that time experience the events and feelings of such a chilling period of history.
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I loved the portrayal of female friendship in this book. I also appreciate how The Hotel Chelsea was a character of its own. I was unfamiliar with this landmark and enjoyed looking up photographs of the building and reading additional stories about this incredible place.
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I found the development of this novel to be a bit slow for my personal taste but I'm glad I stayed with the book. The themes of friendship, standing up for what's right, and the depiction of a chilling time of American history are not to be missed.

I have loved all of Fiona’s books and this was no exception!! I highly recommend this wonderful story!! Amazing characters too!

DNF at 20%
I’m sorry to say that I really struggled to connect with The Chelsea Girls. I could see the set up for an interesting female friendship but the portion I read consisted entirely of a “tell not show” storytelling that is one of my major pet peeves in novels. I think maybe once the story reached “present day” at the Chelsea Hotel, the narrative style might have changed, but I was uninterested in going further with these characters.

Fiona Davis never disappoints! I love that each of her books includes a New York landmark as a backdrop.

The Chelsea Girls was my first foray into the worlds created by Fiona Davis and I must just say… ”where the hell have I been??” I was immediately taken in by the story and simply didn’t stop reading until I was finished. Work and sleep and kids be damned.

The Chelsea Girls takes place in the McCarthy era. During and Post WWII, the theater community was thriving. Until it was under attack. It was the dawn of the Red Scare and entertainers of all kinds were forced to name names, reveal Communists, whether they truly were one or not. People were blacklisted, lives were ruined. In an era full of fear mongering and misogyny, Hazel and Maxine fought their way through.

Centered around the haven that was the Chelsea, Davis winds an amazing tale of perseverance and determination. I simply could not stop reading until I finished. Clearly, I will be picking up her other books as well. Do yourself a favor and add this to your list. You most certainly will not be disappointed.

I received an advance copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

I read lots of historical fiction books but this is a time period that I haven't read much about in the past -- the early 50s when the government and McCarthy were trying to find and punish alleged communists in the entertainment business. I have read about what went on during this time period but this book makes it more personal and is about how it affected so many people in the entertainment business who were never able to find work again.

The three main characters of the book are:
-Hazel Riley who was a playwright. After acting as an understudy on Broadway and spending time in the USO in Europe during WWII, she finds that her true talent is in writing plays and gets a chance to open her play on Broadway.
-Maxine Mead is an actress. She met Hazel in Europe and they became close friends. She is going to star in Hazel's new play but will her secret life cause problems?
-The Chelsea Hotel is the third main character - it was New York City's creative oasis for the many artists, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and poets who have called it home. As the witch hunt for communists in the entertainment industry gets more frenzied, it becomes apparent that it will affect the lives of Hazel, Maxine and the clientele at the Chelsea. Will any of them be able to survive?

I found reading about this time period to be very interesting and enlightening. This book shows not only the glamour of life on Broadway during this time but also the pain and degradation brought about McCarthyism and how it affected so many people. I enjoyed the two main characters and the friendship between them and was hoping for the best for both of them.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

I did not enjoy this book. It seemed t me it took too long to develop the story. I have loved other Fiona Davis novels, but this one did not grab me like The Masterpiece.

Thank you, Netgalley, for this arc.

Fiona Davis never disappoints. She has a way of bringing history out and making it so vivid. The Chelsea Girls is no exception. It's like you're "right there" in 1960s New York. It's a sad, but important novel that turned out to actually be a quick read for me. I'm glad I read this one.