Today, we are doing 84, Charing Cross Road, for a book vs movie review. Do you love a good book vs movie as much as we do?
84, Charing Cross Road Book
84, Charing Cross Road is a book of letters between a New York writer and a London used bookseller in the years following WWII. The book was published in 1970.
It is a very popular book for people that love books about books.
84, Charing Cross Road Movie
The movie 84, Charing Cross Road, was released in 1987. It starred Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, and Judi Dench.
I am not sure how popular the movie was at the time. I did not even know that there was a movie based on the book until recently.
Book vs Movie
I have mixed thoughts on this book vs movie.
I loved the book 84, Charing Cross Road. It is a book about books but also about so much more. It is about a love of rare old books. It is a book about friendship and life. It is a true story.
It is a book of letters back and forth between the author, a bookseller, and his family and co-workers.
The movie 84, Charing Cross Road, followed the book very closely. It was much closer to the book than most movies based on books.
The acting was great. They made the people come alive. You felt like you really were in the bookstore in London or with the author in New York.
My issue with this is just that I didn’t think it made for a great movie in general. It worked as a book, but I didn’t think it worked nearly as well as a movie.
I know a lot of people and reviewers love this movie. They say it is a classic movie with great actors and directing. I am glad I watched it, but I don’t consider it a classic or a must watch.
If you love reading, I suggest you stick to the book on this one although I am sure many people will disagree with me on this one.
Did you know the author wrote a follow up book to 84, Charing Cross Road? The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is all about her time visiting London after she wrote the book.
Have you read the book or seen the movie? I would love to hear your thoughts on which one is better.
I never heard about this book. I will definitely put this on my list for reading once the weather turns cold. Thank you Lynn. I always appreciate your and your daughters book reviews.