Disappointing sequel

The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street

By: Helene Hanff

Genre: memoir

Pages: 144

Published: 1995

Read: May

2 out of 5

84, Charing Cross Road is one of my new all-time favorite reads, so I was anticipating a great second read from Hanff. Unfortunately, everything I loved about 84, Charing Cross Road was nonexistent in this one. I was very disappointed since I was hoping for a continuation of Helene’s discovery of books, friendship and humor.   Books are barely mentioned and the absence of her humor is almost saddening. Even the true reason for her visit was hardly mentioned. Sure, she gets picked up by the Doel’s family but very little time is spent with them. She is more focused on her new found fame and friends. There is nothing wrong with this, however I missed the old Helene. – the woman who was more focused on discovering rare books and  treasured friendship.