I picked up “84 Charing Cross Road” somewhere in England a long long time ago. I had not thought about reading it at all. In fact, I had already forgotten that I had this book. One day, I climbed up my bookcase and saw it. I then decided to read it and it did not disappoint at all.
About the Book
At first, looking at the name of the book, I actually thought it was a fiction. “84 Charing Cross Road” is in fact not a fiction at all. It is actually a collection of letters written between the author Helene Hanff from New York, USA and a second hand bookshop called Marks & Co. in London, UK. Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it?
Correspondence
The exchange of letters began when Helene Hanff saw an advertisement of Marks & Co. in a newspaper in the year 1949. She started writing to the bookshop as a customer asking for second hand books. The letter writing actually lasted for over twenty years. Most of the letters were book orders, which were taken care of by the bookshop manager named Frank Doel. However, the letters did not contain only orders of books, but Helene and the bookshop people also exchanged their experiences after the war.
Friendship
Helene being a good customer by continuing buying books from the shop showed her sympathy towards the British due to the hardship they were facing after the war. Helene even sent them some of the food that was considered rare at the time such as eggs and meat. (At the time, food had to be rationed in the UK.) This made a wonderful impression to those who worked at the bookshop as well as their families.
As said above, both Helene and Marks & Co. people exchanged letters for over twenty years. They had become close even though they never met and were thousands of miles apart. Helene said she had always wanted to visit London. Whenever she had a chance to go, there would always be something in the way that stopped her from going. Until … finally … Well, I do not want to spoil it. haha.
Special Edition
Usually “84 Charing Cross Road” only contains the sent and received letters between Helene and the bookshop. However, this particular edition added a second part which as the diary of Helene Hanff’s herself.
It was easy to read and imagine what it was like at the time of Helene’s writing. Some of the things she said was well funny although some you really have to sympathise with.
My Thoughts
I have been told that “84 Charing Cross Road” has also been made into a play and a film. I have never seen any of them though. But the book was easy to read and very relaxing. I read the book with a cup of coffee. The feeling was hard to beat although a cup of tea would have been better. haha.