"Radio Girls" by Sarah-Jane Stratford

Radio Girls by Sarah-Jane Stratford
Call Number: FICTION Stratford
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, 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.

*ebook on Libby
*audiobook on hoopla

Historical Context: How does the novel capture the atmosphere and societal changes of 1920s London, particularly in relation to women's rights, technological advancements, and the rise of broadcasting? What aspects of the era surprised you or stood out the most?
Character Development: Analyze the character of Maisie Musgrave. How does her background as a war widow shape her ambitions and motivations? How does her character evolve throughout the novel, particularly in her role at the BBC?
Gender and Power: Explore the theme of gender and power dynamics in the novel. How do female characters like Maisie navigate a male-dominated industry, and what obstacles do they face in asserting themselves professionally? How do they challenge or conform to societal expectations of women in the 1920s?
The Birth of Broadcasting: Discuss the significance of the BBC and the emergence of radio broadcasting as a powerful medium for communication and entertainment. How does the novel portray the impact of radio on society and culture during this period?
Political and Social Issues: The novel touches on various political and social issues of the time, including class disparities, fascism, and women's suffrage. How do these issues intersect with the characters' lives and the events of the plot? How does the radio serve as a platform for social change and political activism?
Friendship and Collaboration: Maisie forms a close friendship with Hilda Matheson, a pioneering BBC producer. How does their friendship influence Maisie's personal and professional growth? Discuss the importance of collaboration and mentorship in achieving success.
Identity and Authenticity: Maisie grapples with questions of identity and authenticity, particularly in relation to her past and her aspirations for the future. How does she reconcile her desire to move forward with her need to confront her past? How do other characters navigate similar struggles with identity?
Ethics in Journalism: The novel explores ethical dilemmas faced by journalists and broadcasters, particularly in balancing the need for truth and accuracy with the pressures of entertainment and propaganda. Discuss instances in the novel where characters grapple with ethical decisions in their work at the BBC.
Technological Advancements: How do technological advancements, such as the development of radio technology and the introduction of new broadcasting techniques, shape the narrative of the novel? How do characters adapt to these changes, and what impact do they have on the industry?
Representation and Diversity: The novel features characters from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community. How does the novel handle issues of representation and diversity in 1920s London? What commentary does it offer on inclusivity and acceptance during this period?
The Power of Storytelling: Discuss the role of storytelling and narrative in the novel, both in the context of Maisie's work at the BBC and in her personal life. How do characters use storytelling as a means of connection, persuasion, and empowerment?
Legacy and Impact: Reflect on the legacy of Maisie and the other characters in the novel. How do their contributions to broadcasting and journalism shape the future of the industry, and what lasting impact do they leave on society?

Early Life and Education: Sarah-Jane Stratford was born and raised in California, United States. She developed a passion for literature and history from a young age, which would later influence her writing career.

She attended college in California, where she studied English literature and creative writing. Her academic background in literature and her love for historical research laid the foundation for her future career as a novelist.

Literary Career: Sarah-Jane Stratford is the author of several historical fiction novels that explore lesser-known stories from the past. She is known for her meticulous research and vivid storytelling, bringing to life characters and events from history.

Her debut novel, "Radio Girls" (2016), is set in 1920s London and follows the story of Maisie Musgrave as she navigates the world of broadcasting at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The novel received critical acclaim for its rich historical detail and compelling narrative.

In addition to "Radio Girls," Sarah-Jane Stratford has written other novels and works of historical fiction. Her other notable works include "Red Letter Days" (2019), which explores the lives of women working in the film industry during the McCarthy era in Hollywood.

Personal Life: Sarah-Jane Stratford currently resides in California, where she continues to write and pursue her passion for historical research and storytelling. In addition to her writing career, she is also involved in promoting literacy and historical awareness through her work.

Sarah-Jane Stratford's novels are characterized by their immersive historical settings, strong female protagonists, and exploration of lesser-known stories from the past. She has established herself as a talented voice in the genre of historical fiction, captivating readers with her vivid portrayals of history and the human experience.

The Girls in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin
Call Number: FICTION Benjamin
It is 1914, and twenty-five-year-old Frances Marion has left her (second) husband and her Northern California home for the lure of Los Angeles, where she is determined to live independently as an artist. But the word on everyone's lips these days is "flickers"-the silent moving pictures enthralling theatergoers. Turn any corner in this burgeoning town and you'll find made-up actors running around, as a movie camera captures it all. In this fledgling industry, Frances finds her true calling- writing stories for this wondrous new medium. She also makes the acquaintance of actress Mary Pickford, whose signature golden curls and lively spirit have given her the title of America's Sweetheart. The two ambitious young women hit it off instantly, their kinship fomented by their mutual fever to create, to move audiences to a frenzy, to start a revolution. But their ambitions are challenged both by the men around them and the limitations imposed on their gender-and their astronomical success could come at a price. As Mary, the world's highest paid and most beloved actress, struggles to live her life under the spotlight, she also wonders if it is possible to find love, even with the dashing actor Douglas Fairbanks. Frances, too, longs to share her life with someone. As in any good Hollywood story, dramas will play out, personalities will clash, and even the deepest friendships might be shattered. With cameos from such notables as Charlie Chaplin, Louis B. Mayer, Rudolph Valentino, and Lillian Gish, The Girls in the Picture is, at its heart, a story of friendship and forgiveness. Melanie Benjamin perfectly captures the dawn of a glittering new era-its myths and icons, its possibilities and potential, and its seduction and heartbreak.
Human Voices by Penelope Fitzgerald
Call Number: FICTION Fitzgerald
When British listeners tuned in to the BBC's Nine O'Clock News in the middle of 1940, they had no idea what human dramas-and follies-were unfolding behind the scenes. Targeted by enemy bombers, the BBC had turned its concert hall into a dormitory for both sexes, and personal chaos rivaled the political. The tense relationship between two departmental directors is at the center of Human Voices, as is Annie, a sixteen-year-old assistant who falls hopelessly in love with the monstrously selfish one. Reading this intimate glimpse behind the scenes of the BBC in its heyday, "one is left with the sensation," William Boyd wrote in London Magazine, "that this is what is was really like."
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
Call Number: FICTION Gramont
In 1925, Miss Nan O'Dea infiltrated the wealthy, rarefied world of author Agatha Christie and her husband, Archie. In every way, she became a part of their life--first, both Christies. Then, just Archie. Soon, Nan became Archie's mistress, luring him away from his devoted wife, desperate to marry him. Nan's plot didn't begin the day she met Archie and Agatha. It began decades before, in Ireland, when Nan was a young girl. She and the man she loved were a star-crossed couple who were destined to be together--until the Great War, a pandemic, and shameful secrets tore them apart. Then acts of unspeakable cruelty kept them separated. What drives someone to murder? What will someone do in the name of love? What kind of crime can someone never forgive? Nina de Gramont's brilliant, unforgettable novel explores these questions and more.
Dear Mrs. Bird by A. J. Pearce
Call Number: FICTION Pearce
"London, 1940. Emmeline Lake is Doing Her Bit for the war effort, volunteering as a telephone operator with the Auxiliary Fire Services. When Emmy sees an advertisement for a job at the London Evening Chronicle, her dreams of becoming a Lady War Correspondent suddenly seem achievable. But the job turns out to be working as a typist for the fierce and renowned advice columnist, Henrietta Bird. Emmy is disappointed, but gamely bucks up and buckles down. Mrs. Bird is very clear: letters containing any Unpleasantness must go straight in the bin. But when Emmy reads poignant notes from women who may have Gone Too Far with the wrong men, or who can't bear to let their children be evacuated, she is unable to resist responding. As the German planes make their nightly raids, and London picks up the smoldering pieces each morning, Emmy secretly begins to write back to the readers who have poured out their troubles".

*ebook & audiobook on Libby
Fall of Angels by Barbara Cleverly
Call Number: MYSTERY Cleverly
At the annual St. Barnabas College Christmas concert Detective Inspector Redfyre witnesses a minor scandal: the trumpeter of the headlining musical duo, is a woman, and a young one at that - practically unheard of in conservative circles. When she suffers a near-fatal fall after the close of the show, Redfyre must consider whether someone was trying to kill her. Has her musical talent, her beauty, or perhaps most importantly, her gender, provoked a dangerous criminal to act? Redfyre must both seek advice from and keep an eye on old friends to catch his man before more innocents fall victim.
April in Paris 1921 by Tessa Lunney
Call Number: MYSTERY Lunney
Kiki Button--war veteran, party girl, detective, and spy--finds that she can't outrun her past exploits, even in the glittering world of Jazz Age Paris. Paris in 1921 is the city of freedom, where hatless and footloose Kiki Button can drink champagne and dance until dawn. She works as a gossip columnist, partying with the rich and famous, the bohemian and strange, using every moment to create a new woman from the ashes of her war-worn self. While on the modelling dais, Picasso gives her a job: to find his wife's portrait, which has gone mysteriously missing. That same night, her spymaster from the war contacts her--she has to find a double agent or face jail. Through parties, whisky, and seductive informants, Kiki uses her knowledge of Paris from the Great War to connect the clues. Set over the course of one springtime week, April in Paris, 1921 is a mystery that combines artistic gossip with interwar political history through witty banter, steamy scenes, and fast action.

Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles: "Radio Girls" by Sarah-Jane Stratford

"Radio Girls" by Sarah-Jane Stratford

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