84, Charing Cross Road

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Sat, 23 Nov 2019
  • 2162 reads
10 comments
 
A friendship that withstood the test
of time, began with a simple request.
”Dear Sirs”, an American author wrote
to a London antiquarian bookseller
enquiring about second-hand books
that were rare and worthy of note.
 
The letter that reached Frank Doel,
in 1949, was post-World War II,
a period in which Britain endured
austerity and shortage of food too.
With that missive a long lasting
and friendly association was secured.
 
The writer was from New York City
and went by the name of Helene Hanff.
Her letters to Frank were light and witty
and his, at first, were serious and formal.
But over twenty years of corresponding
the tone became warmer and cordial.
 
The entire staff of the shop joined in,
exchanging birthday gifts, good wishes
and presents on the festive season.
And as the time was passing so fast
she longed to visit London and friends
and say to them “We meet, at last!”.
 
But the decision was made by Fate.
Hanff postponed travelling to Britain
and did not come to Charing Cross Road
until the summer of 1971
but by that time she was too late
as Frank had died in 1968.
 
© Luigi Pagano 2019
Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Biography
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Parson Thru on

Nice story, Luigi. I walked along Charing Cross Road for the first time in years, just a week ago. It was good to see some bookshops still there. I always think of le Carré's George Smiley making his purchases.

Parson Thru

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hello Kevin. 
It is a story that will be familiar to many in literary circles as Helene Hanff wrote a book about it, later made into plays and film. I thought that it would fit perfectly as a prop to the I.P. 
I too went back to London and Charing Cross Road after many years and found that landmark still fascinating. Pleased to see that Foyles was still there and was reminded of past browsings which were more than actual purchases but equally satisfying.

Best, Luigi

 

 

Submitted by Parson Thru on

I'm an ignoramus, Luigi. I'll have to look.

Parson Thru

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Oh, I thought it was well known. Well, I hope you enjoy the read, yes

Luigi

 

Submitted by agnosticnun on

Story new to me as well, but wonderfully told.

Kristi

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Like many 'oldies' I like to squirrel information that I can use when the opportunity arises. This work published in 1970 made a lasting impression on me. Not only did I read the book but also saw a well acted play based on the story. I did not see the film with Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins and Judy Dench but I understand it was very successful. 

Luigi x

 

Submitted by forest_for_ever on

You tell a good tale my friend yes

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Very kind of you to say so, my friend.

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by forest_for_ever on

You tell a good tale my friend yes

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

...and following it up with a confirmation!

Cheers, smiley