84, Charing Cross Road

84, Charing Cross Road

Helene Hanff

Genre:  Memoir

Summary (from Goodreads): It all began with a letter inquiring about second-hand 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 stodgy and proper Frank Doel of 84, Charing Cross Road, a relationship blossoms into a warm and charming long-distance friendship lasting many years.
 
Review:  It was interesting to get a little glimpse of post-WWII life in England, and the author certainly seemed like a nice, quirky person who had a gift for writing short and entertaining letters.  But I don't understand why this collection of letters was published as a book.  Perhaps it would have made more sense if I was an avid reader of the obscure classic books and letters that peppered the letters.  Although I suspect I would still be wondering why someone's correspondence was being published, and why she saves all those letters anyway.

Rating: 2 stars