Terrie Robinson's Reviews > 84, Charing Cross Road
84, Charing Cross Road
by
by
Terrie Robinson's review
bookshelves: non-fiction, epistolary-non-fiction, library, paperback, historical-non-fiction, read-in-2021, classic
Oct 09, 2021
bookshelves: non-fiction, epistolary-non-fiction, library, paperback, historical-non-fiction, read-in-2021, classic
"84, Charing Cross Road" by Helene Hanff is an Epistolary Historical Non-Fiction treasure!
Letters exchanged between writer Helene Hanff and bookseller Frank Doel (rhymes with 'Noel' just in case you were curious!) She lived in New York City and was a lover of old out-of-print books. He lived and worked in London as an antiquarian at MARKS & CO. at 84, Charing Cross Road.
A book containing nothing other than letters that traveled back and forth across the pond started in 1949 and continued for 20 years. It began with a mutual love of old books, gradually blossoming into a true friendship between Helene and Frank. It also branched out to include the employees in the bookstore, Frank's wife, and, eventually, their children. Helene's acts of kindness through the post-war years, I believe to be the catalyst of this inclusion!
I read this book while on our 2021 Fall Getaway. I intentionally savored it, reading only a few pages a day. Some days I would backtrack and revisit previous pages before moving on. I wanted it to last the entire trip. I didn't want this glimpse of the past to end.
This book brought back memories of watching Mom receiving a letter from someone dear and how relationships were solidified and enriched by this type of correspondence. A letter was always the best way to nudge Mom for attention! I miss those days...
If it sounds like this short ninety-seven page read may interest you, I hope it stirs the same deep emotions in you that it stirred in me! I highly recommend.
Thanks to Knox County Library System for lending this treasure to me!
Published in 1970, Ms. Hanff dedicated this book to Frank Doel.
Letters exchanged between writer Helene Hanff and bookseller Frank Doel (rhymes with 'Noel' just in case you were curious!) She lived in New York City and was a lover of old out-of-print books. He lived and worked in London as an antiquarian at MARKS & CO. at 84, Charing Cross Road.
A book containing nothing other than letters that traveled back and forth across the pond started in 1949 and continued for 20 years. It began with a mutual love of old books, gradually blossoming into a true friendship between Helene and Frank. It also branched out to include the employees in the bookstore, Frank's wife, and, eventually, their children. Helene's acts of kindness through the post-war years, I believe to be the catalyst of this inclusion!
I read this book while on our 2021 Fall Getaway. I intentionally savored it, reading only a few pages a day. Some days I would backtrack and revisit previous pages before moving on. I wanted it to last the entire trip. I didn't want this glimpse of the past to end.
This book brought back memories of watching Mom receiving a letter from someone dear and how relationships were solidified and enriched by this type of correspondence. A letter was always the best way to nudge Mom for attention! I miss those days...
If it sounds like this short ninety-seven page read may interest you, I hope it stirs the same deep emotions in you that it stirred in me! I highly recommend.
Thanks to Knox County Library System for lending this treasure to me!
Published in 1970, Ms. Hanff dedicated this book to Frank Doel.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
84, Charing Cross Road.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
September 28, 2021
–
Started Reading
September 28, 2021
– Shelved
September 28, 2021
– Shelved as:
non-fiction
September 28, 2021
– Shelved as:
epistolary-non-fiction
September 28, 2021
– Shelved as:
library
September 28, 2021
– Shelved as:
paperback
September 28, 2021
– Shelved as:
historical-non-fiction
September 30, 2021
–
53.77%
"A little better than 50% in and savoring every page! What a treasure..."
page
57
October 4, 2021
–
100.0%
"What reader doesn't love a book about other readers who love books, too! That's this book..
Full review & rating to come!"
Full review & rating to come!"
October 4, 2021
–
100.0%
"What reader doesn't love a book about other readers who love books, too! That's this book..
Full review & rating to come!"
Full review & rating to come!"
October 4, 2021
– Shelved as:
read-in-2021
October 4, 2021
–
Finished Reading
December 3, 2023
– Shelved as:
classic
Comments Showing 1-50 of 52 (52 new)
message 1:
by
Jayme
(new)
Oct 09, 2021 10:47PM
reply
|
flag
Thank you, Jayme and so glad you enjoyed it from years ago!
Thank you for your kind comments, Melissa! I would love to hear your thoughts on this one.
It does have an impact on you, doesn't it, Jon? Unconditional friendship is a thing of beauty, for sure!
That it did, and thank you, Margaret!
I will confess that I did smuggle in a couple of audiobooks along for the ride, but don't tell anyone! :-D
Time for a reread here. Your review rekindled my interest in this one.
Thank you, Michael! I'm glad you're looking forward to reading this one and can't wait to hear your thoughts on this gem! :-D
Thank you, Rebecca! So glad to hear it's on your TBR and you're looking forward to soon! Good news!
I'm a very emotional reader, so I agree. If a book touches me deeply it's a 5 star read! Thank you for your kind comment, Debbie!
It is, Marilyn, and thank you! :-D
Thank you, darling Nayna! :-D
Good decision, Bob, and thank you for your kind comment!
I want to let you know that I'm sending you a friend request. Who doesn't want to be friends with a retired bookstore owner? Please look for it and I hope you will accept!
Oh, those were the days, Kat! Special and personal, indeed! I remember Mom getting a letter from her sisters in Australia and how she would read and re-read it and then sometimes read it to me. I see it so clearly. Heart warming stuff for sure, my friend! Thank your for your kind comments, K!
Yay! So glad to hear this and thank you for your kind comment, Julie!
Terrie wrote: "Bob (aka Bobby Lee) wrote: "Time for a reread here. Your review rekindled my interest in this one."
Good decision, Bob, and thank you for your kind comment!
I want to let you know that I'm sendi..."
I'm very happy to be your friend and I'll be checking out your other reviews for more gems. I'm currently reading 'Unprintable' about a small publishing house and an artisan printer in which a lot of the bookish terminology is taking me back to those fun times as a bookshop owner.
Good decision, Bob, and thank you for your kind comment!
I want to let you know that I'm sendi..."
I'm very happy to be your friend and I'll be checking out your other reviews for more gems. I'm currently reading 'Unprintable' about a small publishing house and an artisan printer in which a lot of the bookish terminology is taking me back to those fun times as a bookshop owner.
Good decision, Bob, and thank you for your kind comment!
I want to let you know..."
A bit of nostalgia is always great for the heart & soul, Bob! Looking forward to your review on 'Unprintable', for sure. Feel free to peruse my reviews as many are just sitting there waiting for a like or two. Lol! Stay safe in MA!
It was all that, Farrah, and so much more!
Thanks, Tina! It was a wonderful read.
It's a wonderful story of friendship across the pond and through the years. Thank you for your kind comment, Michelle!
I do, as well, Christina and thank you for your wonderful comment!