SynopsisIn 1949 Helene Hanff, 'a poor writer with an antiquarian taste in books,' wrote to Marks & Co. Booksellers of 84 Charing Cross Rd, in search of the rare editions she was unable to find in New York. Her books were dispatched with polite but brisk efficiency. But, seeking further treasures, Helene Soon found herself in regular correspondence with bookseller Frank Doel, laying siege to his English reserve with her warmth and wit. And, as letters, books and quips crossed the ocean, a friendship flourished that would endure for twenty years.
Loved
- Helene. I'm so glad Helene is a writer, because her sharp wit, warm personality, and eclectic knowledge of books are a gift to the literary world! Her kindness, humor and unabashed teasing make you immediately friends with her, and it's no wonder the staff of Marks & Co. all loved her. She is the type of person I can just imagine sitting with on a rainy day with a hot drink and talking and laughing for hours about anything. It's a rare person that can have such an impact on dear friends across the ocean that she hadn't even met.
- The staff at Marks & Co. Although Frank appears very reserved and professional in his manner, his own wit and appreciation for humor start to become evident as his letters progress. His British reserve becomes even more lovable the more Helene prods at it with her quips and over-familiarity. The whole staff is like a found family, and I loved getting little glimpses into their lives with their letters to Helene. I also loved imagining them bothering Frank to read the letters and loving and admiring Helene from afar.
- The love for literature. Although Helene's taste in literature mostly consists of nonfiction classics, (which I am not very familiar with), the references were still fun- because who doesn't love a book about books? Helene's treatment of books as dear friends with whom she has a relationship with and Frank's knowledge and appreciation for literature make them both lovable and relatable for all lit-loving bookworms.
- The letter format. This was a little reminiscent of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in that it's purely letters. The difference of course being that these were real letters in an actual correspondence. The letter format is poignant and gives us quick, yet telling glances into these people's lives and hearts.
Didn't Love
- This was so fun, I loved it! There's nothing to change because it's a real story and I love that it happened and that it's recorded!
Content
Overall Thoughts
This was a charming, cozy, feel-good little story that I'm so happy to have participated in. Although it wasn't the best story I've ever read, it was a very fun way to spend 2 hours and I enjoyed every minute! Helene's hilarious personality and warmth are not to be missed, and it's easy to see why the whole staff at 84 Charing Cross Road wanted to be her friend across the ocean. This is one of those heartwarming stories that makes you want to love a little more, be a little kinder, and connect with people- and the best part of this story? It actually happened! I haven't read the sequel, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street yet, but I can't wait to see what happened when Helene went to London. Overall, I highly recommend this little gem, and I promise you will smile, laugh, have your heart warmed, and maybe even get some mist in those eyes ;)
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