Do you have an extra hour and fifty-five minutes? That is all the time takes one to read or listen to this beautiful book,
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. This classic book written in 1970, is “a twenty-year correspondence between an American writer and a British bookseller” from 1949 to 1969. Helene Hanff and Frank Doel begin their friendship with Helene contacting Marks & Co to buy a book from their London bookshop. Frank answers her request with his formal British demeanor, which contrasts Helene’s brash American style.
84, Charing Cross Road made me stop and think about the lost art of letter writing and pen pals. It also becomes a primary source by documenting events of WWII and its aftermath. This delightful book is a must read if you love books and reading.
Note: There are two sequels (which I am going to read) to 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff:
- The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street
- Q’s Legacy
Also, a fun fact is that the author of The Plot, Jean Hanff Korelitz, is the cousin of the late Helene Hanff.
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