Letter from New York - Helene Hanff

Description

A collection of anecdotes on life in New York from Helene Hanff of '84 Charing Cross Road' fame.

Review

Having recently re read 84 Charing Cross Road I began to look for what else Helene Hanff had written and came across this wonderful book. I managed to get a second hand copy as the book was published in 1994 and covers the "Letters from New York" that Helene Hanff wrote for the BBC Woman's Hour programme.

I just love the authors voice, I think it's what today they call a smart mouth! It's the minutiae of her life in a New York apartment in 1979 to 1984 and I loved every word of it. There's also the fascinating social history side to it like when she talks about booking a seat for smoking on the BA flight to London. I do remember smoking on flights but it seems so alien today. I also learnt so many things about New York that I didn't know, things that only a true New Yorker can tell you about.

I'm going to be re reading this book, it's pure escapism. I felt it was like an older relative telling you about things you wished you asked them when you had a chance to.

I've also got a copy of her other books Apple of my Eye and Underfoot in Show Business to read.

Comments

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