Dec 22, 2009

84, Charing Cross Road | Characters

Frank Doel
A consummate salesperson, Frank Doel is knowledgeable to a fault on the vast array of books available at Marks & Co. and elsewhere, demonstrating a keen awareness of possible works of interest to Helene and of their availability and care. Upon his death, his wife Nora speaks of many in the book trade who felt Frank was knowledgeable and ‘‘imparted his knowledge with kindness to all and sundry.’’

Mentioned in the beginning only as ‘‘FPD,’’ the efficient, polite reserve of Frank Doel softens over years of correspondence with Helene. In a...