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A review by jennastopreading
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I do not normally rate non fiction, as I feel it is unfair, yet I cannot help but review this little gem of a book that I found on the buy one get one 50% off table at Barnes and Noble. Having never heard of Helene Hanff, this book, or the movie inspired by it, it's kind of a miracle that it made its way to my home. A letter collection between a writer and a bookseller, though? I had to know more.
This relationship took place over 20 years, and the stories, heart, and wit contained within the letters made me laugh and touched my heart. Helene Hanff is an absolute hoot, but also so generous and tender with the staff of a bookstore she's never met or visited. I loved the realness of her letters; they were formal in the beginning, but grew more casual and cheeky as she got more and more comfortable with the staff at Marks & Co. Both she and Frank felt like old friends by the end, and I would be lying if I said that my heart didn't break a bit when the story was over.
Personal, touching, and absorbing, this is one I will definitely reread in years to come.
This relationship took place over 20 years, and the stories, heart, and wit contained within the letters made me laugh and touched my heart. Helene Hanff is an absolute hoot, but also so generous and tender with the staff of a bookstore she's never met or visited. I loved the realness of her letters; they were formal in the beginning, but grew more casual and cheeky as she got more and more comfortable with the staff at Marks & Co. Both she and Frank felt like old friends by the end, and I would be lying if I said that my heart didn't break a bit when the story was over.
Personal, touching, and absorbing, this is one I will definitely reread in years to come.