84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Hardcover: 97 pages
Publisher: Moyer Bell and its subsidiaries; 1 edition (July 2, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1559211407
It all began with a letter inquiring about secondhand books, written by Helene Hanff in New York, and posted to a bookshop at 84, Charing Cross Road in London. As Helene’s sarcastic and witty letters are responded to by the staid and proper Frank Doel of Marks & Company, a relationship blossoms into a warm, charming, feisty love affair.
Thoughts
When Diane posted a review of this book it jogged my memory that this book was on my tbr list, so I decided to find a copy. Thankfully my library had the hardcover.
I loved that the book is based on letters about books. Even though Helene and Frank have very different personalities, they clicked and their relationship grew into a friendship, which grew into so much more. Helen had a fun, sassy personality, Frank was much more proper, but that made for some great letters.
The letters span 20 years, from 1949-1969 and kept me wanting to read. I felt many emotions while reading this book and felt as if I really knew Helene and Frank. I wasn’t expecting the book to end like it did and I’m still thinking about it.
The book is a short read but made a big impact one me. Now I want to watch the movie and check into other books by Hanff.
Counts toward the following challenges:
19 Responses to “Book Review:
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff”
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Sounds like a good read. Our ibrary has it so I placed a hold on it. Thanks Vicki.
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy it!
I’m pretty sure I saw the film version after reading the book. I enjoyed both.
I’m looking forward to the movie.
This sounds really good, Vicki! I’d like to read this, and/or see the movie. Terrific review!
Thanks Susan, I hope you do one or both.
This sounds interesting.
It was different, I really liked it.
I just love this book! Definitely time for another reread 🙂
I loved it too!
Ohhhh you’ll love the movie too!
Haven’t found the movie yet but I’ll keep looking.
I read this one years ago. As JoAnn says, time for a reread! Glad you liked it.
I’ll probably reread it sometime too.
I wasn’t certain if it was fiction or nonfiction at first. It sounds so charming, I could see someone making it up!
It was really good Kay! I agree, it could easily have been made up.
It was really good Katie! I agree, it could easily have been made up.
I love this one! It’s been awhile since I read it so I think I need to reread it soon. There are just so many interesting little elements. I remember being fascinated by the talk of sending food. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the movie but I did read the sequel which is good but to me didn’t quite have the magic that this one did. So glad you enjoyed it!
I haven’t seen the movie but want to. I didn’t know there was a sequel, I’ll have to look for it and see if I want to read it.