84, Charing Cross Road
A slim volume (a break from some of the lengthy books also included in this series) of a selection of the correspondence between a New York writer, and the staff of a London bookseller. Their mutual love for books shines through the brief letters, and you can see how the friendship grows throughout the twenty-years they exchanged letters.
The book is charming and heartwarming (and a little bit heartbreaking too), and Hanff’s wit and exuberance sparkles.
There is a book based on the movie as well, starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins, although I’ve never seen it and am slightly afraid to; I don’t want to risk it tarnishing my joy and delight in the book if it doesn’t live up to my dreams.
Publisher’s Description:
It all began with a letter inquiring about secondhand books, written by Helene Hanff in New York, and posted to a bookshop at 84, Charing Cross Road in London. As Helene’s sarcastic and witty letters are responded to by the staid and proper Frank Doel of Marks & Company, a relationship blossoms.
If you enjoyed this book (and if you didn’t, please don’t tell me; I’m not sure I could bear hearing it), you’re in for another treat. I actually had a hard time deciding which one of Hanff’s to feature in the series, so don’t miss Apple of My Eye
To see all the books featured in 31 Days of Great Nonfiction Reads, go to the series page.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting The Deliberate Reader!
I have read the book, which I very much enjoyed. And I have seen the movie, I thought it wonderful. I don’t think you would be disappointed if you watched it. I was able to find a used copy of the movie at a used book sale, I have watched it several times.
Thanks for letting me know – I may give it a shot. I hadn’t known anyone who had both read the book and watched the movie to give me an idea if the movie would disappoint after reading the book. I appreciate your opinion!