84 Charing Cross Road

84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
A two book volume, a two part review.



84 Charing Cross Road

Well, it was quite a route to get to this book. Having read Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945 I research the author, Leo Marks, and find that he wrote the screenplay for a movie about his fathers bookshop 84 Charing Cross Road. I am interested, the shop is mentioned in Leo's book. I rent the movie and find it to be a charming story, the DVD reveals that the movie is based on a book. Ok, I research the book... Wow, this is a true story. I had no idea, good grief, I must read the book.

So, I approach this book knowing the story, knowing the ending, knowing it is a true story (ok, others knew this and are suprised I hadn't twigged it). Well, it now less of a charming story for me but very captivating, happy and sad all at the same time. I loved the clash of cultures, the meeting of minds, the growing friendships. Helene was truly a special person, her thirst for knowledge, selfless charitable acts (I'm sure she didn't see it as charity), the ability to create friendships (not just with Frank, but all at 84). I wanted a fairytale ending but it wasn't to be, this is real life, and how could it have been a perfect ending? Far too many complications would have arisen from any alternative ending.

A superb book; I have read nothing like it before, I recommend to all, but maybe American anglophiles especially.



The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street

It just gets better doesn't it. Helene makes it to England and we are treated to a very personal view of London and its people in the early 70s. It is a treat to discover locations old and new and have them described in Helene's forthright American way.

For me, and of course Helene, any ghosts from 84 Charing Cross Road are laid to rest very nicely. Although, there was a tear in my eye when she first arrives. Books that can do that to me just have to go in to my top-ten, so in it goes.



Oh, dear Helene is taking me to New York the next time we get together, Apple of My Eye.


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The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead by Gerald Seymour

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
A very topical storyline, with an interesting insight into both sides of the picture.

Not the best Seymour I have read though; at times I wondered if it had not been proofread, it may have been me but I found myself having to re-read some paragraphs that didn't seem to make grammatical sense. It has been a long time since I've puzzled over writing like this.

Good characterisation though, as always, and the typical headlong rush into the dramatic ending didn't disappoint.


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