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
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