This charming classic, first published in 1970, combines twenty years of correspondence between Helene Hanff, a freelance writer in New York City, and a used book dealer in London. Though never meeting and separated geographically and culturally through the years, they share a winsome, sentimental friendship based on their common love for books. Their relationship, captured so acutely in these letters, will grab your heart and not let go. The love of books the characters shared was mesmerizing for a book lover. I also loved the idea of a store always on the lookout for a beautiful edition of a rare book, and I kept picturing myself combing through a second-hand store or a personal library looking for a buried gem. It sounds like such a fun and exciting job.
It was clear that a good number of letters needed to be added. Extensive periods would pass, and there would be references to letters we didn’t read or books that were never requested. I’m unsure if this is due to lost letters or selection. I hope it’s a loss and Hanff isn’t holding back on us!
The friendship these virtual strangers formed is beautiful. They bonded over a love of books and stayed together over a genuine desire to care for others. Hanff is a lovely soul and is lucky to have found kindred spirits through a love of writing. Friendships formed over a deep passion for something can be solid. We can all think of a similarly deep relationship—a beautiful picture of friendship and a love of books.