I requested early access to The Chelsea Girls: A Novel by Fiona Davis because I loved this author’s previous book, The Dollhouse. Thank you, NetGalley!
This new work of historical fiction is set in 1950’s New York. The Chelsea Hotel is a haven for artists, actors, and creative types. Hazel (an aspiring playwright) and Maxine (an aspiring actress) live there after returning from a USO tour in Italy where they entertained soldiers towards the end of WWII. While Hazel pens a play inspired by their time in Italy and Maxine (now a big star) takes the leading role, the novel moves into McCarthyism and its quest to find communist infiltration in the “arts” and the effects, immediate and longer-lasting, of these investigations.
“Screenwriters became typists to earn a buck. Brilliant actors sold shoes to make a living.”
As in The Dollhouse, I appreciated a historical peek into the lifestyles of this time, place, and group of people who lived in an actual building that is now on the national registry of historic places. I also appreciated the insight into this political movement, and the threat of communism to the U.S. during this time period both real and perceived. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and the process of creating weave throughout the political themes.
The beginning read like WWII historical fiction and I realized there is previously nothing else on my WWII list set in Italy.
I am happy to recommend this interesting and entertaining read as part of my summer reading list.
NetGalley provided me a complimentary download in exchange for an honest review. Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links you will not pay any extra but I may make a small commission. Thank you for supporting Leslie’s Bookcase.