84 Charing Cross Road

It did not cost a fortune and gave her so much joy I sent a book to a lovely friend ‘twas second hand though good as new I love the odour I love the look I love to hold a second hand book Reminds me of a film I saw about a man named Frank he ran a second hand bookshop at 84 Charing Cross Road A labour of love for many years a commemorative plaque now marks the spot True tale I’m told of a New York gal Helene Hanff her name Over twenty years she wrote to Frank requesting books so rare He found for her the books she yearned the words she loved deep friendship theirs as each and every book he wrapped with tenderness and loving care But sad to say they never met... Frank died in ‘68 a bond was made by books she craved their story in this film was made But I digress and must impress these words I need to say Please never throw a book away when at the end give to a friend It will truly make their day… Written 5th August 2020 84 Charing Cross Road, by Helene Hanff, is an entertaining, evocative and moving collection of letters sent by the author, from her home in New York, to the staff at an antiquarian bookshop in London. Their correspondence spanned twenty years and resulted in a valued friendship. 84, Charing Cross Road is about love of books and words, and friendship. .... Such was their fate that Helene Hanff and Frank Doel never met. Frank died in December 1968 from peritonitis from a burst appendix, and the bookshop eventually closed. Helen Hanff did visit London in 1971 when she met Frank’s widow. Contest Strand Completely New (17) Sponsor Brian Strand FIRST PLACE