I first heard of "84, Charring Cross Road" in the 1990s, after learning about the release of its namesake movie, starring Anthony Hopkins. At the time, I neither saw the movie nor read the novel despite its idyllic setting, a London bookstore. As we are about to embark upon our London vacation, I decided to finally read the novel. Unfortunately, Marks & Co, Booksellers' no longer exists, but Charring Road still remains an area renowned for its bookstores.
I had mixed feelings about the book. I was not surprised about its format, letters spanning a twenty year correspondance between an American writer and a London bookstore clerk. However, I was surprised at the early letters' mundane quality. Obviously, personal details would not be shared early on in the correspondence but after a few years I thought the letters would include more than book prices and account balances. Later, as both characters (alongwith some secondary characters- other Marks & Co, Booksellers' store clerks) included a few personal details I began to see the books charm. Hanff's store loyalty, especially to a store across the Atlantic, was noteworthy especially when contrasted with today's fickle consumerism. The fact that she would send food gift packages, much to the store clerks delights during London's post-war rations, was also charming.
Their relationship remained relatively formal, especially from the side of Frank Doel which may be attributed to his marital status and British demeanor. However, I recognized subtle clues indicating a plutonic fondness for one another. Consequently, I was saddened upon Frank's death, before Helene could make her long-promised and anticipated journey to London to visit him and the bookstore.
No comments:
Post a Comment