84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

In 1949, Helene Hanff, a writer with an antiquarian taste in books, struck up a relationship with booksellers Marks & Co. of 84 Charing Cross Road, following an advert she had seen. Hanff being a resident of New York and Marks & Co. being situated in London. Hanff writes regularly to the booksellers and in particular Frank Doel, where she requests specific books that she would like and an agreed rate at which she can afford to buy them.

Gradually throughout the letters as the years progress, the formalities are dropped and other members of staff soon become fascinated with their American correspondent and begin to write to Helene also. Following the effects of World War 2 where the UK was still in the grip of rationing, Hanff regularly sent over items that she was able to obtain in the US, as gifts to the employees of Marks & Co.

The letters are fairly brief and yet specific in what Hanff is looking for. She could be mistaken for being abrupt and isn’t afraid to reprimand Mr Doel and his associates if they dare to send her a book that isn’t to her specific requirements!

It is difficult to describe why I loved this book. I like the fact that it is based on a true story and in a world that seems to fall apart when the wi-fi goes down, it was refreshing to read a compilation of letters and what I believe an early form of ‘online shopping’ between the characters.

I was visiting London with a friend earlier this month whereby we visited 84 Charing Cross Road. It was such a shame that Marks & Co. closed down in 1970, but was lovely to see the plaque that now marks where the bookshop once stood.

Bewitched By Books Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️