R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 1/18/2021 + 1442 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Yes, there was a real Hilda Matheson and she was every bit as brave and passionate as the author portrays, perhaps more so. She believed in telling the public the truth, educating people about issues so they understood their world. But Maisie Musgrave was fictional and to this reader she did not seem quite real. The author developed this character to pull the story tighter. There were facts she wanted to use such as Hilda's connection and involvement with MI5 in Italy. When she returned to England, Lady Aster hired Hilda who recognized her intelligence and talent secured a post at the newly established BBC. Hilda became director of Talks developing its programming..

Maisie filled gaps in the story as a secretary for Hilda. It was logical since Hilda had longed for an assistant she could trust to help with research and programming. The relationship between Maisie and Hilda solidified when they realized that there were fascist groups in England working to generate support of German policies. It was a time when many thought that spies were part of the populace but most believed they were Russians. The tale includes romance and discovery of a conspiracy to incur sympathy for Germany. Uncovering the effort. Talks presented findings to the public.

Hilda and her boss, John Reith, held differed regarding BBC programming and conflict escalated. Hilda's progressive approach generated much positive public response that Reith recognized were of value to BBC. Eventually, however, his conservative heart began imposing restrictions on programming and Hilda finally resigned. Very good read.

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