84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
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Book Reviews of 84, Charing Cross Road
Book Review: Delightful, heartwarming book
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished this book yesterday and have the heartfelt desire to establish a long distance correspondence, in the hopes of finding a kindred spirit. In '84 Charing Cross Road', Helene Hanff finds such a person when she responds to an ad for reasonably priced antiquarian books. Over the course of 20 years and numerous letters back and forth you discover the hidden personalities of each person involved--and how all become friends from a distance. Whether it is in the physical gifts of food and other rationed items that Helene sends to Marks & Co, or the prayers that Frank and Nora's children send out to Helene in the hopes that finances will enable her to come out to England. I found myself heartbroken at the turn of events that befell Frank Doel, and made an inner promise to myself to seize the moment. I hope that all who chance upon this book will walk away with something as wonderful as I did.Book Review: A Joy to Treasure
Summary: 5 Stars
I waited too long to finally read 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff and I have no reasonable excuse for it. Someone had lent me a copy and it was the only book in my backpack on the commute to work one morning as I had forgotten to bring the book I was reading, so I started it and had one of the best journeys of my life. I immediately ran out and bought my own copy as I knew that I would read this book over and over again. It is very funny and, in the end, quite touching in ways that all readers will understand and appreciate. The best endorsement of this book is that it will get one to investigate all sorts of old classics and look at reading and writing in new and different ways. I personally will be letting used books fall open just to see what interested a reader from the past and what he or she is trying to tell me. I little trick gratefully picked up from the delightful Helene Hanff.Book Review: Charming Charing Cross . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow. The exquisite relationship between the author and a bookseller in England and how it transforms both of their lives, and the lives of those around them is a testament to humanity. The meticulous and slowly crafted relationship that formed over several years through letters and packages,is nothing short of beautiful. On top of that, it is a joy to read. Funny, touching, and in weird way kind made me feel kind of snoopish for reading their letters. But I loved it. So much said in so few words, especially at the start of their correspondance. After reading this book, I ordered every Helene Hanff book and devoured them (with the exception of her children's books). She's just the kind of person you hope to be like, or you hope to have as a friend.
A great book for book lovers, anglophiles, New York lovers . . .and anyone looking for a very quick and charming read.
Book Review: Haunting, lyrical, and true
Summary: 5 Stars
Before I was to move to London for a six-month stay, I read Helene Hanff's "84 Charing Cross Road" hoping to get a feel for the city I was about to meet, or at least for what it used to be. A compilation of letters between a struggling writer (Hanff) in New York City and a London bookstore owner, this book paints a picture of harsh wartime realities tempered by a blooming long-distance friendship. Upon my arrival in London, I took a cab from Victoria Station to Bayswater, and as we wound through the heart of the city, we drove down Charing Cross Road. With open doors and dusty window displays, the bookstores lining the street were at the same time inviting and haunting, rousing the ghosts of the city. "84 Charing Cross Road" echoes the voices of real people, and those echoes still resonate through the streets of LondonBook Review: Charing Cross road has lost its most revered shop.
Summary: 5 Stars
I still have the hardback, first edition of 84, Charing Cross Road that I bought after reading the Readers Digest condensation. I've read it several times, and have lent it to countless friends to read. Last month while in London, I walked up Charing Cross Road to find the bookstore that Helene had so longed to see. Sadly, I found the old shop closed and empty, the name removed from the front. You could still read "Marks &" in the faded paint. I stared in for a moment or two, trying to visualize what it would have looked like filled with books and people. As I began to walk away, I noticed the brass plaque mounted at the side of the building identifying the site of the bookstore that had been made famous throughout the world because of the book written by Helene Hanff. This had become her monument.