I’ve written about a couple of Helene Hanff books over the years – you can see them from that ‘browse’ menu over on the right hand side – but I don’t think I ever wrote about her most famous book, 84, Charing Cross Road. Well, a beautiful new edition from Slightly Foxed Editions brought about an excellent opportunity. I suspect most of you know this book already (and I can also recommend the lovely film) but, for those who don’t, I have written about it over at Shiny New Books. Below is the beginning of my review; if your appetite is whetted, you can go and check out the rest.
Slightly Foxed Editions – and I never tire of saying how beautiful they are – offer two different, wonderful things to the world. Either they are an introduction to brilliant memoirs that were undiscoverable and unknown, or they give the opportunity to have much-loved classics in that inimitably lovely series. And, of course, 84 Charing Cross Road appears in the latter category.
Our tastes may differ – our points of view and methods differ more than our points of view, in fact – but I utterly agree with you on this : “84, Charing Cross Road” is a classic or a “must to be read” (although everyone is free to read whatever pleases her or him: no dictatorship!!! :) ), and Slightly Foxed books, be they paperbacks or cloth-bouded volumes are simply a pleasure to hold and read.
I have had this on my to-read list for ages. I have to get it! I don’t think I’ve seen Slightly Foxed editions on this side of the pond.
I loved this book.
I’ve loved this book for so many years! And appearing on a radio programme about it c. 13 years ago introduced me to my lovely friend Sarah, now back in NZ!
Such a good book!!!