A review by paper_queen
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

4.0

Initial Response
Well that was just the cutest thing EVER.

Overview
I loved this little gem! So sweet and innocent, a friendship created from a love of books, that spans across the continents. Helene is an adorably scatter-brained writer, and when paired with Frank's tender but charming personality, it makes for a lovely read. The book is told through a series of letters sent between Helene Hanff and the Marks & Co. bookshop in England (where Frank works) and it begins in the 1950s, working all the way up to nearly the 70s. I don't normally read this kind of thing, but a coworker recommended it, and I've been trying to break out of my comfort genre (fantasy), and this book definitely made me want to read more historical novels. It put such a warm smile on my face and the characters were so genuine and sweet.

Conclusion
This isn't a long book, so if you have an afternoon, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this one a try. It will stick with you and leave you wishing you had been born in an era long gone.