Duchess of Bloomsbury Street Book Review

I was in search of another book by this author after reading her collection of letters and I am super glad that I found this one because it was the next in the series of books to tell her story.  The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff is the story that takes place after 84, Charing Cross Road when she actually goes to England.

Nancy Mitford meets Nora Ephron in the pages of The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, Helene Hanff’s delightful travelogue about her “bucket list” trip to London.  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.  A New Yorker who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, Helene Hanff delivers an outsider’s funny yet fabulous portrait of idiosyncratic Britain at its best. And whether she is walking across the Oxford University courtyard where John Donne used to tread, visiting Windsor Castle, or telling a British barman how to make a real American martini, Helene always wears her heart on her sleeve. The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is not only a witty account of two different worlds colliding but also a love letter to England and its literary heritage—and a celebration of the written word’s power to sustain us, transport us, and unite us.

I thought it was a great book with more great writing as was found in the last book.  Another quick read with half being read in one evening and the rest the next morning.  I couldn't wait to find out what happened from the second that I picked up the book.  Helene was finally getting to England which was the entire discussion in the last book of her biggest life's wish.  I couldn't believe all of the adventures that she had there in a about a month.  It seemed like she spent a year there exploring.  She was making the most of the time that she had and could afford to spend in England.  She got to stretch her visit with the help of lots of friends picking up the tab for dinner.  She enjoyed getting to see the entire countryside from local people who loved their towns.  This took place in the 1970s so it was interesting to see the different culture and climate at the time.  I think that things have changed now but the places are still the same.  The same humor from the first book was still in this book and I highly recommend you read this book after checking out 84, Charing Cross Road.  I think that you will enjoy them both as much as I have!!!