Q’s Legacy is another very well-written and engaging memoir by Helene Hanff.
The subtitle is a little misleading, I think. Much of the book isn’t about a “lifelong love affair with books” but about the origin and birth of the book 84 Charing Cross Road and its subsequent colossal impact on Helene’s life. That’s just fine by me, and to be fair, her love of books and her debt to Arthur Quiller-Couch in inspiring and guiding that love is evident throughout.
Helene is engaging and honest throughout, for example about how she keeps writing unviable plays and books until realising after many years that she “can only write about what happens to me.” She’s doing that here, and doing it very well. It’s warm, humane, modest and touching in places; her approach to fans is delightful and I found the stories of 84’s publication and subsequent adaptation for TV and the stage quite fascinating.
In short, if you enjoyed 84, Charing Cross Road, you’ll enjoy this. I liked it very much and can recommend it warmly.
No comments:
Post a Comment