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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Great facts interwoven into fiction about the beginning of the BBC. Also learned about another woman pioneer in broadcast radio.
Motivational for young women
At bit hard for me to follow, but good enough to want to finish
I really appreciated the fictional portrayal of real life people. I found the book inspirational.
Excellent in time and place in history of radio and country.
This book is based on the BBC radio, I just loved the strong woman in this story and how most men did not think they should be in positions of power, anything but a secretary and only until they got married. Just a good story, so well written.
I love radio and was very interested in the origins of its early stages. My Dad was the one who got me started and he was around at the time of this book although he was in the US.
The author’s voice definitely conveyed the urgent and frantic pace the job required. Excellent writing.
Great fun for anyone who loves the BBC. Interesting cameos by famous people and just enough witty social criticism.
Interesting view of London in the 1920s, the early days of feminism in the British business world, and the founding of the BBC. Many characters are historical.
great read!
The characters were well developed and exciting.
A terrific look into the beginnings of the BBC. Women have come a long way for sure. Based on many of the actual pioneers of British Radio, this was a wonderful recounting of how important this service was to improving communication to the masses from it’s infancy. I learned a great deal. The characters are wonderful, especially when you realize that most them actually existed. I highly recommend.
Strong female characters who helped pave the way for women in the media
Paints a great picture of the life of women in the early days of the BBC. A little slow moving at times, but interesting.
Interesting historical fiction about women in the workplace after the war. They faced similar obsticals as today but pioneered is out of having to stay home once we are married. I loved it!
wonderful background of the beginning of the BBC and competition between radio and newspapers. The strong women are part of a story that still resonates in business.
A very informative novel that sheds light on the early years of media and journalism.
Radio Girls is a good choice for a book club. It provides much to discuss and can easily be related to current issues concerning women and technology.
This is a very well written historical novel. I did not know anything about the origins of the BBC. Fascinating story.