The Great War is over, and change is in the air, in this novel that brings to life the exciting days of early British radio…and one woman who finds her voice while working alongside the brilliant women and men of the BBC. London, 1926. American-raised Maisie Musgrave is thrilled to land a job as a secretary at the upstart British Broadcasting Corporation, whose use of radio—still new, strange, … use of radio—still new, strange, and electrifying—is captivating the nation. But the hectic pace, smart young staff, and intimidating bosses only add to Maisie’s insecurity.
Soon, she is seduced by the work—gaining confidence as she arranges broadcasts by the most famous writers, scientists, and politicians in Britain. She is also caught up in a growing conflict between her two bosses, John Reith, the formidable Director-General of the BBC, and Hilda Matheson, the extraordinary director of the hugely popular Talks programming, who each have very different visions of what radio should be. Under Hilda’s tutelage, Maisie discovers her talent, passion, and ambition. But when she unearths a shocking conspiracy, she and Hilda join forces to make their voices heard both on and off the air…and then face the dangerous consequences of telling the truth for a living.
READERS GUIDE INCLUDED
more
I stopped reading the book and never picked it back up
Love RADIO GIRLS! Didn’t want it to end!
Great way to enjoy history.
Excellent read and set in an era that fascinates me. One of those books that was hard to put down.
4 1/2 stars
Very well written!
I enjoyed learning about a new to me part of English history while meeting entertaining characters both real and invented.
Great read! Historically interesting plus a peek into the early days of the BBC.
Highly readable historical novel of being female in the nascent radio industry in England and facing questions of where the technology should go and what were its responsibilities. Much like todays tech and social media and the frenzy they create to shape the discussion.
This is an exhilarating, well-developed tale of early women in radio broadcasting! There were extraordinary women in leadership and supportive roles who built the BBC during World War II. A story of talent, innovation, friendship and supportiveness, I highly recommend!
I enjoyed reading about the start of the BBC. Nice, enjoyable characters too.
Wonderful story well written, good characters
Loved it! Most characters were historic figures. The author did a great job of weaving fact and fiction.
I so enjoyed this book. It led me to do research on the history behind the story. I’ve been a fan of the BBC for many years. Now I’m also a fan of the woman that helped shape it.
When I picked this book I wasn’t aware that it was historical fiction (rather than just fiction.) As I read it, I became very curious about early BBC history. As the author is clear in the notes following the story, many of the characters are real people. I found Radio Girls a very good story that thoughtfully reflected social and political forces at work during the 1920s.
Well written.
Historically important in terms of women’s social studies.
Well written historical fiction about the early days of the BBC and the role that women played in developing it. Infuriating and exhilirating in turns. Enjoyed every word.
An enjoyable and very informative story about the early days of radio broadcasting. Recommended.
This was a novel but it gave great insight into the beginning of the BBC and the place of women with (mostly) equal opportunity in the BBC organization.
It was well written and in parts a page turner. It was unique in that many of the characters were based on real people and real life.
I have highly recommended it to my reader friends.