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kstephensreads's review against another edition
4.0
This visit to London through Helene Hanff’s eyes was delightful and wistful and a little bit melancholy. It’s a wonderful read and I couldn’t put it down. After reading 84, Charing Cross Road twice it felt so satisfying to follow her to the London of her dreams.
thats_who_i_am's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
In a follow-up to her hugely popular [b:84, Charing Cross Road|368916|84, Charing Cross Road|Helene Hanff|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1287338794l/368916._SY75_.jpg|938626] Helene Hanff takes us to London. The book is written as diary/journal entries on her first (and last) trip to the city she had dreamed of visiting. Alas, her favorite bookstore, which she immortalized in her earlier book, was no more, but the success of that first book resulted in instant friends.
I loved how enthusiastic she was about seeing the literary landmarks she had so long dreamed about. I loved her reactions to differences and how she managed to “go with the flow” - particularly loved her exchange with the front desk when she wanted her dress pressed and her first experience ordering a “martini” (Hubby and I shared quite a laugh over that episode). Just makes me wish I had known Hanff in person and had the chance to travel with her … no matter where. I think we would have found something to captivate and enthrall us.
Definitely read 84 CCR first, but you’ll want to read this one as well … especially if you’re planning a trip to London.
I loved how enthusiastic she was about seeing the literary landmarks she had so long dreamed about. I loved her reactions to differences and how she managed to “go with the flow” - particularly loved her exchange with the front desk when she wanted her dress pressed and her first experience ordering a “martini” (Hubby and I shared quite a laugh over that episode). Just makes me wish I had known Hanff in person and had the chance to travel with her … no matter where. I think we would have found something to captivate and enthrall us.
Definitely read 84 CCR first, but you’ll want to read this one as well … especially if you’re planning a trip to London.
lelia_t's review against another edition
4.0
A thoroughly engaging book lover's tour of England with a lively-minded, funny, honest guide. Helene Hanff is as lovable a companion for the reader as she is to the folks in London who treat her like royalty. I particularly enjoyed her description of learning to write by reading the lectures of Arthur Quiller Couch, but first having to run off to get more books and learn Greek and Latin in order to understand the lectures of Arthur Quiller Couch.
Helene’s humor and honesty shine throughout the book. The trip isn’t perfect - she’s disappointed sometimes, and sometimes tired and once throws a tantrum. But her humor always saves the day and makes this book a welcome follow-up to 84 Charing Cross Road.
Helene’s humor and honesty shine throughout the book. The trip isn’t perfect - she’s disappointed sometimes, and sometimes tired and once throws a tantrum. But her humor always saves the day and makes this book a welcome follow-up to 84 Charing Cross Road.
100reads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
3.5
Charming.
papertraildiary's review against another edition
3.0
So great to read Helene again. I really want to read her book on NYC now. This diary of her trip was a little hard to follow due to all the characters (and it's been a few months since I read 84) but her charm shone through all the same. I so wish her and Frank could have met.
karinlib's review against another edition
4.0
I re-read 84 Charing Cross Road yesterday because of a review by a goodreads friend, and once I started it, I had to finish it (realizing it had been a while since I had last read it). This is the third Helene Hanff book I have read in the past two days (they are all less then 180 pages). The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is really a sequel to 84 Charing Cross Road. It's about her time in England, where she helps promote 84 Charing Cross Road and meets many of the people with whom she corresponded.
While Hanff is in England she writes nightly in a diary of her experiences, and Bloomsbury is the result.
Some of the information in this book is also in Q's Legacy, but I am so glad I have read all three, one right after the other.
What makes this book great is the people she meets in England, and how wonderfully they treat her, like a Duchess. Hanff has a really good sense of humor. I kept thinking she is someone I would have liked to have met.
While Hanff is in England she writes nightly in a diary of her experiences, and Bloomsbury is the result.
Some of the information in this book is also in Q's Legacy, but I am so glad I have read all three, one right after the other.
What makes this book great is the people she meets in England, and how wonderfully they treat her, like a Duchess. Hanff has a really good sense of humor. I kept thinking she is someone I would have liked to have met.