Major surgery be damned. Nothing and I mean NOTHING (okay maybe an attack of nerves) is keeping Helene Hanff from her longed for trip to England. Sure little things like extensive dental work, a spanking new apartment of her own and lack of money might have kept her dreams from coming true over twenty years but this time it was Thundercats are go. Bolstered by her slight but cult classic book 84, Charing Cross Road, Helene Hanff was going to England. The England of her dreams. And for that brief trip she was the Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, fans and unseen friends smoothing her way and showing her every courtsey and nook and cranny of London. Our Helene, accustomed to writing in her alcove and visiting Central Park with her doggie friends is wined and dined and has her portrait painted. She’s the sensation when stopping at a tiny village for some milk. Everyone loves Helene.
And the reader can’t help but get swept up in the madness. You’re right there with Helene walking through the parks and as she adjusts to life in London. London has the history but there’s a sense of fear from the Londoners that Helene doesn’t have in New York. And when she gets to see her shop (the old Marks & Co shop at 84, Charing Cross Road) in person, you can’t help but feel sad, empty and thrilled at all once.
If you’ve ever been charmed by 84, Charing Cross Road and want to know what happened next, hunt down The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street. Like 84, Charing Cross Road, it’s a slight thing, easy to devour yet will stick with you. Of course if you’re Blacklight…well, I think there’s the new issue of Computer Music at Barnes & Noble…