Dear 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff:
It seems fitting that I write this review in the form of a letter to you, since you yourself are a book comprised of letters.
I honestly don’t even know where to begin. Many fellow bookworms recommended that I read you, so many that one actually offered to send me her old copy (thank you thank you!). I read you in one sitting while in bed over spring break. I figured I would read a few pages and then fall asleep, but then I couldn’t put you down.
I loved absolutely everything about you. The way you’re a compilation of letters written back and forth between two bibliophiles who never met in person, though their passion for books created an enduring bond. The fact that you are genuinely one of the most witty and hilarious books I have ever read. How Helene Hanff’s letters read like trumpets sounding the excitement and enthusiasm felt in so many bookworms’ hearts. The way reading you made me want to find a bookish penpal and begin a snail mail dialogue as soon as possible. And most importantly, the fact that you are an actual, real life exchange.
You resonated with me on so many levels: not only from the perspective of a fellow book lover, but also about a longing to visit England. Studying abroad for a year at the University of Oxford filled me with a sense of nostalgia for that country that I’m not sure will ever go away. Because Helene is from America and the bookseller to whom she writes is from England, she longs to visit the bookshop and meet all of her penpal friends face to face. Yet she never makes it there, and at the end of the book she writes:
“I remember years ago a guy I knew told me that people going to England find exactly what they go looking for. I said I’d go looking for the England of English Literature, and he nodded and said: ‘It’s there.’
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
Maybe it is, and maybe it isn’t. Looking around the rug one thing’s for sure: it’s here.”
I almost cried reading that quote. That sounds dramatic, but yes–I am a mushy mess of emotions when it comes to thinking back to my year at Oxford. I can’t help it. And although I was fortunate enough to visit Oxford again a year after studying there, I never know if I’ll have the opportunity to go again. It’s immensely reassuring to be reminded that one can feel connected to a far away place from the comfort of a page.
Unrelated to England, I also adored how Helene described her bookish quirks, such as in the following quotes:
“I love inscriptions on flyleaves and notes in margins, I like the comradely sense of turning pages someone else turned, and reading passages someone long gone has called my attention to.”
“I houseclean my books every spring and throw out those I’m never going to read again like I throw out clothes I’m never going to wear again.”
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
All in all, I simply adored you, 84, Charing Cross Road. You’re a book that I can see myself reading again and again and again without ever getting tired of your humor and eloquence and bittersweet nostalgia. Just as other bookworms recommended you to me, I will now do my part in recommending you to others.
READ. THIS. BOOK.
See you again soon.
Yours,
HOLLY
This is such a beautiful article, Holly! I cant wait to read this book now, it sounds so good. ❤
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Thank you so much! ❤ Hope you enjoy it!
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LOVE this post! I’ve only ever seen the film and adore it. Really need to get my hands on the book.
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Thank you!! Ahhh I cannot wait to watch the film!!
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I agree. A wonderful book. I loved it as well.
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Glad to hear that you also loved it!!
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All in all, I simply adore your reviews! Yours is a blog that I keep returning to again and again and again without ever getting tired of your unique way of reviewing books! Just as you recommend books to us, I will now do my part in recommending your blog to others (on Instagram).
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Omg thank you so much!! This means so much to me 💛
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This is a fabulous review! I’ve heard a little bit about this book only once before but it sounds like such a heartwarming read that’s perfect for book lovers 😍 I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for this one!
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Absolutely!! That’s a perfect summation haha. I hope you enjoy it!
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I’m thrilled that you loved it so much! Whenever I find an inexpensive copy on Book Outlet or in a used bookstore, I buy it so that I have it in hand to send to fellow bibliophiles. It’s my most gifted book! You should definitely read The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street too (actually read everything by Hanff).
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Aww that is such a sweet idea!! Thank you so much for sending this my way, I am so grateful!! ❤ I can't wait to read the rest of Helen Hanff's works.
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First I absolutely love this style of review and feel it fits so many books so much better then a conventional review does. I’m currently reading the last book in The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden and have been racking my brain when it comes to how I am going to show my love for this trilogy and feel that a conventional review just won’t do that for me or even cut it.
After reading your review and the beautiful quotes you have included in this review. I’m really eager to read 84 Charing Cross Road now. I absolutely love receiving and written snail mail especially pen pal letters if you ever want to start pen paling especially about books I’m totally up for that (Side-Note: I also live in England) ☺️ I’m currently writing this comment with a big thunderstorm happening outside and listening to BTS We Are Bulletproof on repeat- sorry you really didn’t need to know that but I felt like sharing it lol 😂
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Pen-paling about books!! I would love that! 🙂 And omg yes you must read 84, Charing Cross Road–it’s absolutely fantastic ❤ Thank you so much!!
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Awesome ☺️ If you want we can discuss it more via DM on Instagram (my handle is @plantagenetgirl7). I definitely will. I will see if my library has a copy available on overdrive or Libby and if not I will keep an eye out for a copy 🖤 Your Welcome lovely 🌿🌻
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