This is a beautiful account of a NYC writer and her correspondences with some staff from an antique bookshop based in London. The letter writing begins on October 5, 1949 and continues for over 20 years. The relationship that develops between the letter writers blossoms. As they begin to feel more comfortable with one another, the dialogue becomes quite witty and amusing. What I loved most was getting a glimpse into how the times gradually change through the eyes of the writers (from QE II’s coronation to Beatle-mania, etc.). The story is quite moving without meaning to be – a true testament to the fact that you do not have to live near someone or even know them to show him/her decency and kindness. It also made me feel a little guilty of how out of touch I am with people that I care for deeply, despite the luxury of such technological advancements such as email and video-conferencing! The work has everything I love in a story – the only thing I would have liked is maybe a couple of snapshots of some of the friends Hanff made along the way. This is one of my favourite books and I have re-read it so many times. I love how Helene's no nonsense personality comes across, how smart she is, how she makes you laugh and then you get caught up in the real life soap opera of the people she corresponds with. We live with them through their letters, which are short, sweet and often poignant, filling in her life story piece by piece. This has definitely been a subconscious inspiration for my own first book - 'Peachey Letters - Love Letters to Life' and re-reading it after a long time away has been a joy - and I can see a fabulous influence.
What do You think about Brev Till En Bokhandel (1970)?
Helene's correspondence to a small quaint bookstore in London.Loved the book & the movie!!
—audi
I shouldn't put this on here because I like it soooooo much that I give it away as gifts.
—Gail
