84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
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Book Reviews of 84, Charing Cross Road
Book Review: A BEAUTIFUL, HEARTWARMING BOOK
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone who loves books will love this story about a vibrant New York lady's passion for collecting them, told in alternating letters of correspondence between the struggling author and a British antiquarian seller who supplied by mail the treasured secondhand books she could barely afford to buy. An amazing true story spanning twenty years, it was made into a memorable and moving film starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins, and is available on video.Some editions of 84 Charing Cross Road come with the companion book The Duchess of Bloomsbury (or you can get it separately), a diary Ms Hanff kept when she visited London for the first time; but not until the original book had made her famous and she was finally able to afford the dream trip she had longed for. Also try to get her autobiography, Q's Legacy, or her book about New York, Apple of My Eye.
Sadly, Ms Hanff passed away recently, but her story will live on forever in the letters that touched the hearts of thousands.
Book Review: Reaffirms My Belief in the Power of Correspondence
Summary: 5 Stars
This charming little book is a collection of letters between New York author Helene Hanff and London bookseller Frank Doel. In the course of 20 years from Hanff's first book order from Marks & Co,, till Doel's death in 1969 they connected through the mail they exchanged and built a wonderful relationship. While Hanff became friends with Doel's family and his co-workers at the bookstore, what the two had was something special, revolving around their love of literature. Despite plans to do so, the two never met as Hanff didn't make it to London until after Doel's death and the publication of the letters. This book beautifully demonstrates the power of correspondence and how two people can connect, solely by the written word.Heartwarming, funny, sad, all rolled in one. I went on to read other books by Hanff where she describes her trips to London. After reading her books, I too went on a pilgrimage to 84, Charing Cross Road.
Book Review: A top notch message on networking, values and people
Summary: 5 Stars
This book (which was later made into a good movie with Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft)is set in the post World War II era. For us boomers, we thought that everything came back to normal quickly after the war, but this story shares some of the ongoing hardships encountered by Europeans during the next decade of rebuilding. Shortages of certain every day foods, stockings and what we think of every day items were evident.
The story of an American woman who is always searching for certain old book classics and the staff of a small English independent book shop is detailed, interesting and at times moving. As time moves along, two of the principal characters continue to communicate by letter but they never meet. I don't want to give away the ending, but this is a story on networking and people caring in times past. Well done!
John Hogan
HoganHospitality
HospitalityEducators
Book Review: An unspoken love
Summary: 5 Stars
I must admit I saw the movie first. Very literary unique and bitter-sweet true story which touch my soul. I found the book and it is even better with detailed description and sincerity. I particularly enjoyed reading the letter-format of it. It is so warm hearted and just like reading letters from friends. In fact I even felt a little guilty as if I am reading other people's private letters... This excellent book shines in drawing out the cultural and social differences between London and New York during the period of Frank and Helene letters correspondence. 84 Charing Cross Road changed their lives.They developed special friendship,an unspoken love and care for each other without even seeing each other.This is truly amazing! I think "84 Charing Cross Road" is one of the best book I had read. Easy to read, great story line,literary educational and most importantly touches my heart and soul.Book Review: 84, Charing Cross Road
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one of my all time favorite books. The book, 84, Charing Chase Road was loaned to me by a friend. I immediately fell in love with the book. When I had to mail the book back to my friend, I felt I had lost a good friend. I was delighted to find it listed on Amazon.com. and thus I ordered it for my library. The book is composed of letters written back and forth between Helene Hanff and Frank Doel,a used book dealer. Helen has various needs and inquiries about different books she is interested in (as she is an advid reader). The book is a treasure of how a friendship can grow and become meaningful though twenty years of writing letters back and forth. Even though they never meet and they are separated by miles and live in different countries their friendship continues to grow. What a beautifully written book about the development of this rare treasure called " friendship of the soul".