Thank you for this. I hadn’t thought about the book (and the movie) in quite some time. My daughter is in her first semester in college and loves reading. I just sent her a copy.
Great newsletter! I remember watching the film a while ago but I’ve not read the book. I love that the relationship is purely platonic between the two people - it’s nice to see read such a wholesome portrayal of friendship :)
Thank you! I loved researching this one and other people seem to have responded to it really well, too! I thought it was nice to read about a platonic relationship too; you don't often read about that. Thanks for reading and commenting :)
A wonderful novel and a perfect, sensitive film adaptation. Didn't realise there was a little sequel - I shall seek it out. Thank you for reminding me what a treat this story is.
So excited to learn about this book and movie! Your excellent review sent both to the top of my list of essential reading and watching. Glad to discover your newsletter too!
I love this book and saw both a staged version and the film version years ago. It comes off the bookshelf whenever I need a short comfort-read at times of doom and gloom!
Don't know what to say. I love Substack so much right now. Meeting like-minded readers has never been this joyful and fulfilling. This book! That MOVIE! (Hopkins!!! My unhinged reaction right now with multiple exclamation marks shows how congruent Hopkins was to the character) Brilliant review Kate, thank you so much. Warmed my heart to read this.
Thanks Sayani! I agree, Substack has the best content right now! And yes, Hopkins is perfect, as is Bancroft. Hopkins was also good in the film version os Shadlowlands (don't know if you've read/seen it) which is the story of CS Lewis and the American woman he married. Thank you for reading 📚
I love 84 Charing Cross Road soooo much - book and film - that I got goose bumps just reading your post. Thank you for reminding me that it’s high time I pulled it back off the shelf.
Ah, that is the sign of a great book/film - the goose bumps! I actually watched the film again last night, having a rare evening to myself, and it never disappoints😀
That sounds wonderful! Though I usually start weeping in the first few minutes of the film. I love Helene’s first apartment, the books, open fire, desk by the window...
I cannot recommend this book enough. Who should read it? Anybody who loves to read. It is one of those rare gems that defies classification. The film is proof that faithful adaptations are possible.
Thank you for this. I hadn’t thought about the book (and the movie) in quite some time. My daughter is in her first semester in college and loves reading. I just sent her a copy.
Aw, thanks Paul. It's so lovely when you get to share your favourite books with your kids 💕 thank you for reading 📚
What a delightful little book! I recognize the name but cannot remember having read it, so off to the library I go.
Oh, you must! It is such a lovely little book. Thanks for reading :)
Great newsletter! I remember watching the film a while ago but I’ve not read the book. I love that the relationship is purely platonic between the two people - it’s nice to see read such a wholesome portrayal of friendship :)
Thank you! I loved researching this one and other people seem to have responded to it really well, too! I thought it was nice to read about a platonic relationship too; you don't often read about that. Thanks for reading and commenting :)
A wonderful novel and a perfect, sensitive film adaptation. Didn't realise there was a little sequel - I shall seek it out. Thank you for reminding me what a treat this story is.
You're welcome, June! I would recommend 'The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street' as it feels like it completes the story and has a lot of humour in it :)
So excited to learn about this book and movie! Your excellent review sent both to the top of my list of essential reading and watching. Glad to discover your newsletter too!
That's excellent news! Please let me know what you think. And welcome aboard 😀
I always get such inspiration for new reading from you! Perhaps not as popular in the US, but this is new and intriguing to me 😁
Thanks Kate! I think you'd like it for the juxtaposition of Britain and the US.
I’m looking forward to reading this. Thanks for such a thorough, engaging introduction to it.
You're welcome, Arnie! I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for reading 😀
I love this book and saw both a staged version and the film version years ago. It comes off the bookshelf whenever I need a short comfort-read at times of doom and gloom!
What a treat to see a staged version! I'm the same, such a simple, comfort read. Thanks for reading 📚
Don't know what to say. I love Substack so much right now. Meeting like-minded readers has never been this joyful and fulfilling. This book! That MOVIE! (Hopkins!!! My unhinged reaction right now with multiple exclamation marks shows how congruent Hopkins was to the character) Brilliant review Kate, thank you so much. Warmed my heart to read this.
Thanks Sayani! I agree, Substack has the best content right now! And yes, Hopkins is perfect, as is Bancroft. Hopkins was also good in the film version os Shadlowlands (don't know if you've read/seen it) which is the story of CS Lewis and the American woman he married. Thank you for reading 📚
I just Googled the movie and will be watching it! Thank you!
Beautiful review Kate! Going to pick this one up soonest!
Oh that's great to hear! Do let me know what you think of it. As a book lover yourself, I think it will suit you!
I love 84 Charing Cross Road soooo much - book and film - that I got goose bumps just reading your post. Thank you for reminding me that it’s high time I pulled it back off the shelf.
Ah, that is the sign of a great book/film - the goose bumps! I actually watched the film again last night, having a rare evening to myself, and it never disappoints😀
That sounds wonderful! Though I usually start weeping in the first few minutes of the film. I love Helene’s first apartment, the books, open fire, desk by the window...
I know! I think her apartment is meant to show how poor she is as a writer, but I just imagine sitting in it, writing...
I blub at the end, when she talks to the camera...
I cannot recommend this book enough. Who should read it? Anybody who loves to read. It is one of those rare gems that defies classification. The film is proof that faithful adaptations are possible.
Thank you, Shane, and you are so right! It is difficult to classify and I genuinely agree that it would appeal to anyone who loves books.