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.
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Historical fiction based on the birth of the BBC.
The story of the early days of the BBC and the movement from radio, women changing roles and the move to television. Well done and worth the read.
Excellent historical fiction. Learned a lot about BBC beginnings, changing attitudes re working women and suffrage ( women voting) in post Ww1 UK.
Great characters and lots of the book was based on one historical character, plus the history of the BBC
I LOVED this book! The writing is top notch. I couldn’t put it down!
I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot about what radio broadcasting in England before WWII must have been like, through the experiences of a young woman just starting out at the newly formed BBC. This story was unlike anything I have previously read. I recommended it to my sister-in-law and she also loved it.
Radio Girls is a remarkable, captivating, and powerful story about determined, courageous,resilient women at the BBC during the turbulent years between WWI and WWII. Sarah-Jane Stratford magnificently intertwined history and fiction flawlessly in this most intriguing, captivating, biographical historical novel.
While this story follows the fictional character of Maisie, it is also a factual account of the life of one of Briton’s most influential woman, Hilda Matheson. Hilda’s intelligence and perception transformed the airwaves as BBC’s first Director of Talks enlightening and self-assuring the women of her time.
The story started out slow, but it was needed so one would know the backgrounds of both the real and fictional characters and how they fit together. It didn’t take long before the story took off sweeping me back in time to the 1920s with intrigue and drama and it never lets go. I was drawn into the story as though I was one of the girls working right along with Maisie and Hilda in the Talks department. I wish it never had to come to an end.
Radio Girls as a whole was a fascinating look into the BBC during 1920s London which fully captivated me from beginning to end. I absolutely highly recommend this first-rate invigorating story.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Penguin Random House’s First To Read in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
An interesting story of the beginnings of the BBC. It was informative and exciting. It was nice to see the importance of women’s roles in it’s inception… one of the few jobs for women at that time.
Well researched and plausible
The book was good, based on history and the dawning of woman’s rights.
interesting times chronicaled of the rise of the BBC and the women who worked there. Good read with fascinating characters.
This fictional story of the birth of the BBC is wonderful! The characters are very well portrayed as well as the reality-based events. I think this story has a great deal to say to us in this era of power-struggles for the air and digital realms of news and the freedom of the press and speech.
Well-done historical fiction with interesting characters.
I never knew about the early days of radio. I especially enjoyed reading about the role of women at the supervisory level. This was a very entertaining story with good characters, many based on real people.
I’m pretty sure I already have
While I enjoyed this book, especially the historic basis of the beginnings of the BBC, and the society at that time, I felt sort of manipulated by the authors’ progressive attitudes. Ironic as the plot premise includes the very danger of media being used to advocate and control society’s views. Otherwise, a satisfying rags to riches, sort of happy ending type story.
I loved this book. It was historical about the BBC & how women were viewed in 1929-1935 London. Great characters with many surprises.
Much to say. Will get back to you, if that is possible. Written as a novel, but everything is actually true, with the exception of a very few characters, who are fictional. Amazingly accurate. Google anything or anyone in the book and you can see photos of the real people and places.
Not a great plot
I enjoyed the history and research regarding the BCC. And I enjoyed the development if Maisie, a young woman with her first job and her determination to do her work well with hope of advancement. I respected her boss’s mentoring and encouragements and training. Some of it in an effort to show truth.