Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of The Chelsea Girls

The Chelsea Girls
The Chelsea Girls
Author: Fiona Davis
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
reading-galore avatar reviewed on + 115 more book reviews


I really enjoyed this book focused on the impact of McCarthyism on New York City theater's actors, playwrights and directors. Although I had heard about the problems in Hollywood, this was the first time I think I had read anything written about New York's problems. I believe that the characters were fictitious although they may have been based on someone real. However, there were actually very few real names used during the book. It seemed to lack the intensity that I believe existed during that time period but the betrayal of friendship seemed quite real. I felt that Hazel should have gone through more angst and introspection when times got tough but I found myself rooting for her nonetheless. A fascinating read!