The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff
paperback 137 pages
published by Moyer Bell in 1995 (originally published by Avon in 1973)
ISBN-13: 9781559211444
Type: {Weekend Read: a book to curl up on the couch with.}
Rating: {Me Likey: Enjoyable! Particularly for fans of this genre.}
Why You’re Reading It:
- You are a fan of 84, Charing Cross Road and want to find out what happens when Helene Hanff finally makes it to England
- You are a book lover
- You are a Hanff lover
- You are an Anglophile
- You enjoy (very) short books of non-fiction
What I Thought:
Helene (pronounced Hell-ayne) Hanff’s fans won’t be disappointed with this diary of her trip to England in 1973. After more than two decades of trying to raise the money to go to her beloved England and visit the shop and shopkeepers made famous by her in 84, Charing Cross Road, Helene Hanff finally made it across the pond. While there, she kept a diary at the urging of a friend, and The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is the publication of that diary. Filled with Hanff’s signature wit and stream of consciousness writing style, this book is another homage to the literary world. Hanff, the ultimate book lover and autodidactic, has a British vacation that any book lover would envy. In fact, I found myself marking down references to a number of places to visit next time I am in England. Readers will also find mention works of fiction and authors galore – as is expected in Hanff’s work. It’s enough to make a 137 page book last an extra few days as you consistently set the book down,and scurry over to the computer for another trip through Google to find out more about what, or who, the author is writing about.
On top of reading for the love of Hanff and all things literary, it is also a great portrait of the world of 1973, and in particular of England. We must remember that, relatively speaking, this trip happened not so long after the end of World War II, and while the country had healed, it was not fully recovered. Many references are made, and legends fresh, that would not be the same if one were to take the very same trip today, almost 40 years later.
Though 84, Charing Cross Road and Q’s Legacy captured my attention more than this book did, I still adore Helene Hanff. Her wit, her style of prose, her intelligence, and her complete comfort in who she is and who she is not endear her to me. She herself was a fan of literature and this comes across loudly in the way that she loved her fans, and wanted to be accessible to them (a trait that has gone out of fashion for many authors whose works have been made famous and optioned into plays and films). This is a must read for fans of Hanff, even if only to see the end of the story started by the beloved 84, Charing Cross Road.
I am a huge fan of Helene Hanff! 84 is my favorite of course, but Q’s Legacy is a very close second. I am not one to do a lot of re-reading, but I have re-read these two and Duchess numerous times.
I also don’t re-read often, but these are so much fun (and short) that they would make for good re-reads. Plus, there are so many notations that I want to make now that I know how these books are full of useful information.
I have to read this one! Wallace, I completely forgot about Hanff and the thing is that I loved 84, Charing Cross Road. I’m definitely up for reading this one – will definitely be getting a copy of it ASAP. Thanks for the reminder – loved your post! Its funny because just today I was thinking about how at some point I have to make it back across the pond and visit some old haunts. Maybe this book will inspire me even more in planning a trip sooner rather then later. Cheers!
Oh yes, you will LOVE this since you have lived there. You’ll probably know exactly what she is talking about all the way through. I’m not as familiar with England, so had to remind myself (or look things up for the first time). I will be very curious to see what you think of it since you know the are so well (and are completely bookish too)!
I have 84,Charing Cross Road on my tbr list and want to read it soon. I wasn’t aware that there’s a sequel of sorts but I’m thrilled to discover it! The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street sounds charming and delightful. I’m a fan of British literature and many other British things (except for some food) and am adding this to my reading list right by Charing Cross.
Thank you for a great review!
Oh, definitely read 84… it’s a VERY quick read (I think it’s only 94 pages). Enjoy!
I have read 84 & Duchess a few years ago and I totally loved them!!
Had no idea about other books from Helene Hanff, so I’m curious about Q’s legacy!
Q’s Legacy is fantastic for those of us who like to learn new things from books. Helene Hanff is incredibly smart and basically self taught.. it’s her story of how she learned through her reading.
I can see you are a true fan
Mm, now I am definitely going to look for Q’s Legacy!
I am awarding you the Lovely Blog Award. Thank you for giving me something pleasant to look forward to each week.
Belle
Thank you! And thank you for reading my blog.
Felt the same you did about this book. Not as good as her previous ones, but Hanff is such a great character and such an enthusiastic reader, that you’re just drawn in.
Have you seen the movie with Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins? I checked out the book from the library after watching the movie and there was no need as the letters were in the movie verbatim. If you like the book, you’ll like the movie. Too bad the library didn’t have the sequel…
Yes… i watched the movie after reading the book and was very pleased. As you said, they took so many of the letters and read them in the movie, so I was very happy that they kept it so true to the book! She talks a bit about other versions of the movie and plays in Q’s legacy if you are interested in that at all.
As a major anglophile, I kick myself every time Hanff’s books are mentioned — I don’t know how I’ve managed to never bring them home! I haven’t read 84, Charring Cross Road, but I did see the film a few years back and just loved it. Thanks for reminding me to put these in my TBR immediately!
I will definitely be reading this one, Wallace. I love books about books and set in England, even better. Thanks for the review. Yegads, I don’t know how I’m ever going to read everything I WANT to read. Time goes so quickly now. It’s a race. But I’m sure going to give it a good try.
I actually got to England in the summer of ’84, just about ten years after Hanff. I always thought I’d get to go again, but never did. But I have such great memories of that one trip.