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April 17, 2026
The Book of April
By Diego Aristizábal Múnera - [email protected]
TL;DR
- Helene Hanff, a writer in New York, initiates a correspondence with London bookstore Marks & Co. in 1949.
- The correspondence lasts for 20 years, from 1949 to 1969.
- Helene seeks out-of-print and rare books unavailable or expensive in the US.
- The booksellers at Marks & Co., particularly Frank Doel, meticulously search for the books Helene desires.
- During post-war rationing in England (until 1953), Helene sends food and scarce items to the bookstore staff.
- The letters build a deep and endearing friendship between Helene and the booksellers.
- The article is inspired by the book '84, Charing Cross Road', which itself is based on this correspondence.
- The author considers April an ideal month to share such a heartfelt book and encourage others to fall in love with books.