A man and a woman from two different parts of the earth, writing letters back and forth. When I first started this book, I was expecting some sort of love story to emerge. As their communication continues across the ocean, they play at each other platonically and reveal more about themselves. Frank at first is business-like and acts more as a customer-service representative. Right from the beginning, her written communication with Frank is open and honest as she inquires about antiquarian books.
Helene’s blunt and charismatic personality flies through the words in her letters. The impact of the mail lasts longer than a text message or social media post. Frank and company enjoyed the foods Helene sent over and shared with family and friends. In this case, Helene was able to read and continue to plan her visit to London. The anticipation of receiving a letter in the mail allows us to be free mentally to pursue other interests to fill our time. If there is not a quick response we assume the worst or that we are not liked. I feel in today’s digital age, there is impatience and a need to be in the know immediately. The gaps between the letters in the story were making me anxious! However, the more I thought about it, the better I felt about that time awaiting the next letter. And as letters, books and quips crossed the ocean, a friendship flourished that would endure for twenty years.Ĩ4 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff The Anticipation But, seeking further treasures, Helene soon found herself in regular correspondence with bookseller Frank Doel, laying siege to his English reserve with her warmth and wit. Her books were dispatched with polite but brisk efficiency. In 1949 Helene Hanff, a “poor writer with an antiquarian taste in books”, wrote to Marks & Co Booksellers of 84 Charing Cross Rd, in search of the rare editions she was unable to find in New York. Rating: 4/5 84 Charing Cross Road Synopsis Has letter writing become a thing of the past? I believe it is an art form that is quite powerful when it comes to adding value and I’ve laid out three reasons why. Reading 84 Charing Cross Road, I longed for that type of correspondence. Even with postcards or birthday cards, there’s something special about having something physical in your hand that isn’t in the Cloud. However, I feel that the surprise of receiving a comprehensive letter in the mail is worth the wait of the postal service.
Granted, we are in the digital age where information can be sent in an instant and snail mail is old school. The time and effort put into a piece of paper for another person speaks volumes. I love a good handwritten letter, like in 84 Charing Cross Road.
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