Radio Girls

By: Sarah-Jane Stratford

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

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 both 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.

©2016 Sarah-Jane Stratford (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Great book

This was a wonderful book. The author and reader did a fantastic job. I didn’t want the story to end

It was so real!

It ended ! I was so engrossed. Great writing and story telling! Love the inter workings of the plot!

Wonderful history and richly developed characters!

Radio Girls was an absolute delight! Well written, excellent blend of historical and fictional characters, vivid descriptions of people, events and the fascinating early history and technology of radio’s earliest days. Tastefully presented romantic relationships that did not dominate the larger story. Refreshingly free of sex scenes and vulgar language, as appropriate for the era.

My favorite aspect of the story was the focus on workplace interactions. It’s surprising how rarely life on the job is represented in fiction, considering how relatable the topic is to do many of us.

The narrator was perfect! A detailed epilogue explained which characters were real versus fictional, and how the author wove mostly accurate historical facts and personalities into the narrative.

This audiobook was a true gift that I was fortunate to download free from the Prime Catalog.

Amazing

Very well written and read book. Love Saskia Maarleveld’s beautiful voice performances. Very informative and always a great time reading books that are based at lease partially in fact. Well woven tale.

Good Stoey

Interesting read about the early days of the BBC. Just one criticism - at the end they are giving the birth & death years of one of the characters & I swear they said 1980-something to 1915 instead of 1880-something to 1915.

Great novel about early years of the BBC

The author uses the development of talk shows on radio to tell the story of the role of women in the early years of the British Broadcast Corporation. Terrific characters!

Excellent historical novel

This book introduced historical information via a tale told through the eyes of deeply engaging characters. The writing had depth with rich descriptions of characters and events. I hate to say goodbye.

Such a good read

Loved this book. The characters were great and the narrator did very good. I was anxious to read it daily.

Behind the Dial

in the early days of Radio, shortly after WWI the BBC was given birth. this is a wonderful historical fiction of those early days and the women who brought it into existence (over the objection of men).

BBC Radio History

Long time BBC Radio 4 listener. Excellent research on the turbulent years post WW1. Excellent character studies of Lord Reith and Hilda whose real life stories and accomplishments are the twin lynchpins of this well written and performed story.