It’s such a small book but there’s so much to love about it!
Here’s a little synopsis if you don’t know this book: Helene Hanff (the author) has published her correspondance with an antiquarian bookshop owner Frank Doel. She found the bookshop while she was trying to get her hands on a specific edition of a book. Not new though, as she didn’t have money to spare.
After a few orders via mail the written conversations turn more friendly and personal, and their friendship develops more. So much so that even Frank’s wife and his co-workers write her from time to time.
Helene is such a lovely, straightforward and generous person. I don’t want to write too much, as I think you should experience it yourself.
The concept with ‘just’ releasing the correspondance between two pen friends seems strange but I promise you, it’s worth reading!
The fact that you can actually see the friendship between Helene and Frank deepen with each new letter is just marvellous!
There’s so much humour and some sorrow (for all my fellow masochistic readers), and I enjoyed every second of this book!
How could I not when Helene represents so many of us by wanting to find beautiful, old books (first editions, where possible ) that she can loose herself in - even if her taste lays more with non-fiction and biographies.
And did I mention the humour? Loved it and will treasure it forever!
