When devoted Anglophile Helene Hanff is invited to London for the English publication of 84, Charing Cross Road—in which she shares two decades of correspondence with Frank Doel, a British bookseller who became a dear friend—she can hardly believe her luck. Frank is no longer alive, but his widow and daughter, along with enthusiastic British fans from all walks of life, embrace Helene as an honored guest. Eager hosts, including a famous actress and a retired colonel, sweep her up in a whirlwind of plays and dinners, trips to Harrod’s, and wild jaunts to their favorite corners of the countryside.

I just love Helene's books!
Her writing style, her dry wit - and even drier comments.
Her way of watching people and how she sees herself as the Duchess - another wonderful book to add to my Hanff collection :-)

And it is a must for all who have read "84 Charing Cross Road"!

1. penelopewanders (CH/EU)
2. ReetPetite (UK/?)
3. Silver-Greece (UK/EU)
4. Icila (F/int)

This was waiting, with a few other rings, when I came back from holiday. I'll try to get to it soon - thanks so much for sending and making it available.

Here as a ring, I can't imagine reading this without having first read 84 Charing Cross Road. I read that a while ago, and the Helene Hanff who shines through the prose here seems a bit different from the woman I imagined after reading that. It's a charming story, and it seems strange to think that this took place in the early 1970's - it feels like such an unfortunately antiquated and outdated way of travelling. In many ways it reminds me of travel in earlier eras, when people settled into a Pensione for six months or so, or went on the Grand Tour for a good year or two, with long stops here and there. Her relatively short stay in London is peopled with new friends and it seems strange to imagine that it all stops when she boards the plane back home. An enjoyable journey.
I'll check out the next address and try to get it back on the road soon. Thanks for making this book available.

This leaves Switzerland and heads to the UK. Enjoy! and thanks again for making this available.

Thanks very much penelopewanders

Thanks for this bookring kiki66.
I wonder what Helene would make of today's London.
Left me wondering what happened to the portrait.

I've PMed Silver-Greece.

I've received it. Can't wait to start reading it!
Thanks for sharing!

Great travelogue. Bitter sweet memories of Helene from New York who visited London did the first time. When I read the book I couldn't stop thinking that if I love this city now I can't imagine how much I would have loved it back in 70s! Really enjoyed the reading

As the next person on the list has read it already I am returning the copy to the owner.
Thank you for sharing!

The Duchess is back home in perfect condition!

thanks everybody for handling her so carefully ;-)