In this beautifully written epistolary novel, Virginia Evans brings no nonsense septuagenarian Sybil Van Antwerp to life.

Through 8 years of Sybil’s letters, we learn about her deepest feelings, her secrets (stones), and the indelible impact she made on the lives of those in hers. There are themes of grief, working mom guilt, life regrets, and a bit of romance. The depth of human emotion had me laughing out loud and crying real tears.

It is rare to find a character who loves reading and sharing that passion with others. Her glowing reviews of several books have given me an even longer list of books to read.

Sybil has inspired me to get out my stationary and pen and start writing letters.

With character development as rich as Elizabeth Strout and Fredrik Backman, this novel is not to be missed. It would provide for an engaging discussion for a wide audience of book clubs. I look forward to reading it again and discussing with many of my family and friends.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Virginia Evans for graciously providing an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

I'm going to be honest, I almost DNR'd this book. I really liked how it was letters to everyone, but sometimes I got confused how who was who. I am so glad that I finished this book because there are a variety of different meanings you can get from this book. We never really know what each person is going through or why people do certain things, BUT it's not for us to determine. It's our job to love them either way. The ending was sad, but I love how everything came together.

Such a super unique story, written well and such a fun read I couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with the story, the characters and couldn’t find a flaw in it at all- except that I can’t read it for the first time again! A book that makes you think.. which is always a great thing.

Would rate this 10/10 if I could.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this phenomenal story in exchange for my honest review!

Absolutely in love with this debut from Virginia Evans. It's not on goodreads yet, so I'll remind you later in the year when it publishes in May!

★★★★★

Follow Sybil through a series of letters as she moves through life, healing old wounds, discovering new ones. Letters that bring happiness, discovery and sadness.

Enjoy Virginia's love story to letter writing, heartbreak and hope.

Let me get this out of the way people, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK.

Virginia Evans made me want to write a letter, to someone, to HER!, so bad it hurt.

I felt an unexplainable connection to Sybil. Did she remind me of my own grandma, maybe? It also felt like something else, something more. I loved the way Sybil was presented to the readers.

She was wrong, she was emotional and she was lost. All of these characteristics are what made her real. She wasn't this perfect, letter writing, old lady who lived this astonishing life... she had her own hauntings, her own holes she dug with past relationships. A lady that always presented that she could find the words for every situation to put beautifully structured into a perfectly written letter sometimes faltered. And THAT'S what I loved about her.

Of course, she was amazing. She overcame so much in her life. She was a hero to a lot of people. Selfless to some, selfish to others.

She was so complex and that's life! You'll get both sides of the coin. A grief that takes you down, but life goes on. Most importantly, life can still be happy.

What is even more amazing, is I took all of these feelings, life lessons and takeaways from the subtext of letters. I'm so impressed with Evans writing. The way she conveyed a story that I, as a reader, was able to imagine and create a world in my head.

I cannot say enough good things about this story. As Sybil would have suggested, I should have sat with my thoughts a bit longer to string my words together in a more concise and meaningful way. But take my love-word-vomit as a recommendation that if you love letters, stationary, writing, if the pen you pick up matters ... you'll fall in love with this book as much as I have.

Note: this book is not on goodreads yet, which makes me sad.

Amazon Link - The Correspondent By: Virginia Evans

Stats: 304 pages - First published May 6, 2025

*** Thank you to NetGalley, Crown Publishing and of course the author, Virginia Evans, for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Publishing May 6, 2025.

A real gem ! I always loved epistolary novels and books about books. So how could I resist this one ? It's so real, I really became attached to the characters and my books to read list has gone longer so that's incredible bonus !
I started a correspondence with my brother thanks to that novel and of course I'm considering writing a letter to Virginia Evans to thank her for an incredible reading moment.

Such a unique way to tell a story, through letters written to and from our main character. Sybil is a no nonsense woman , who sees the world in black and white, and suffers no fools. She stands on formality and doing the right thing and comes across as cold. But she comes from a good place with her actions and intent and it was an amazing journey to take with her and her correspondence.

I recently had the pleasure of reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans and I must say, it left a profound impact on me. This beautifully written book explores the theme of aging and the reflections that come with the choices we make, and a life well lived, and it does so with such grace and depth that it’s impossible not to be moved.

From the very first page, I was captivated by the author’s ability to weave together the past and present, creating a tapestry of memories that felt both personal and universal in the unique form of storytelling that is written letter or email (correspondence) format.

The main character (Sybil) is a force of her own and through her communications the author writes her as multidimensional, intelligent and deeply complex. Her relationships are richly developed, each one offering a unique perspective on various stages of life.

I enjoyed that we see Sybil introspective as she shares what it means to grow older and to look back on the choices and experiences that have shaped not only her life but those around her.

What I loved most about this book is its honest and heartfelt portrayal of life. Not just aging, but many different challenges. It doesn’t shy away from the challenges and losses that come with growing older, but it also celebrates the wisdom, resilience, and beauty that can be found at all stages of life. The author’s reflections on love, loss, parenting, friendships, family, and the passage of time are both poignant and uplifting, reminding us that every moment is precious and that a life well lived is one filled with love, purpose, and connection.

The Correspondent is a book that will stay with me for a long time. It’s a reminder to cherish the present, honor the past, and look forward to the future with hope and gratitude

Bonus for the mentions of books and authors that Sybil communicates with in her correspondence.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a deeply moving and thought-provoking read. THANK YOU to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked this book--I love epistolary novels, for starters, and I love the character of Sybil. I loved how much of a story can be told with just letters. I'm 66 years old, and this book makes me hopeful that there's still plenty of good left in the world and my life. Highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. I want this book, in print, the minute it's published to place on my nightstand. It's a book I want to place in the hands of close women friends. It is an amazing book; an examination and celebration of an extraordinary woman's life. Full of joy. Full of heartbreak. Perfect.

Virginia Evans’ The Correspondent is an exploration and, ultimately, a celebration of life, particularly the life of septuagenarian Sybil Van Antwerp- mother, retired law clerk, and lifelong writer of letters. In fact, this is how we come to know Sybil and her story, by reading her letters in this epistolary/mixed media novel.

In her ‘twilight’ years, Sybil’s life is orderly and quiet, just the way she likes it. Her days are filled with gardening, auditing the occasional literature class at the University of Maryland, and her beloved correspondence. Everything is going to plan. Until it isn’t. As Sybil faces one unexpected event after another, she is forced to reexamine herself, her past, and the consequences of her choices.

The author manages to simultaneously tell, not just Sybil’s story, but the stories of the people in her life, with deep insight, sensitivity, and a light touch. The result is profound, funny, and heartbreaking, emotional without a hint of manipulation.

I give The Correspondent 5 (very rare for me) stars. I especially recommend it for anyone who loves: 1) Strong female protagonists, 2) A lovable curmudgeon, 3) A book that’s “huggable” without being overly precious or twee, 4) A book with older protagonists, 5) A book about the love of the written word.

Virginia Evans’ debut novel, *The Correspondent*, is a delightful exploration of life, memory, and the enduring power of the written word. Through the eyes of the witty and endearing Sybil Van Antwerp, Evans crafts a narrative that is as much about healing old wounds as it is about making sense of the world around us.

At seventy-three, Sybil Van Antwerp is many things: a mother, a grandmother, a retired lawyer, and, most notably, a prolific letter writer. From her cozy home, she pens letters to an eclectic array of recipients, including her brother, her best friend, the president of a university, and even literary giants like Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry. These letters are Sybil’s way of processing her thoughts, frustrations, and joys—a means of staying connected with the world, even as it shifts around her.

Evans introduces readers to Sybil with a charm that is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply poignant. Through her letters, we gain insight into her sharp intellect, her biting humor, and her reflective nature. Sybil’s letters serve as a window into her world, offering a glimpse into the mind of a woman who has lived a full and varied life, yet still finds herself wrestling with questions about her past and her place in the world.

The narrative takes a turn when letters from someone in Sybil’s past resurface, forcing her to confront painful memories she had long buried. This twist introduces a layer of emotional depth to the story, as Sybil grapples with unresolved issues that challenge her perception of herself and her life. Evans handles these moments with sensitivity and grace, balancing the novel’s lighter moments with a profound exploration of regret, forgiveness, and the passage of time.

What makes *The Correspondent* particularly engaging is its format. The novel unfolds primarily through Sybil’s letters, allowing readers to experience her thoughts and emotions directly. This epistolary style gives the book an intimate feel, as if we are the recipients of Sybil’s letters, privy to her most personal musings and reflections. It’s a testament to Evans’ skill as a writer that she can convey so much through the simple act of letter writing, making each missive a mini story in its own right.

Evans also infuses the novel with a rich sense of history and culture, drawing on Sybil’s experiences and knowledge accumulated over decades. Whether she’s discussing literature, reflecting on her career in law, or commenting on the absurdities of modern life, Sybil’s letters are filled with wisdom and wit that only come from a life well-lived.

In *The Correspondent*, Virginia Evans has created a character who is both relatable and extraordinary, a woman who embodies the complexities of aging, the joys of solitude, and the pain of unhealed wounds. Sybil’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns that it’s never too late to confront the past, seek closure, and redefine one’s identity.

Ultimately, *The Correspondent* is a celebration of the written word and its power to connect, heal, and illuminate. It’s a novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the need to put pen to paper in an attempt to make sense of their thoughts, their lives, or the world around them. With humor, heart, and a keen understanding of the human condition, Evans delivers a debut that is both touching and unforgettable.

For readers looking for a story that is both reflective and uplifting, filled with laughter and poignant moments, *The Correspondent* is a gem not to be missed.

This book is a delightful dive into the world of Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired lawyer whose letters weave together humour, wisdom, and a touch of irreverence. The author’s writing sparkles with authenticity, capturing Sybil’s unique voice and vibrant personality. Each letter offers a glimpse into Sybil’s life, showcasing her sharp wit and deep reflections. The book’s atmosphere is as cozy and engaging as a well-loved armchair, making it a heartwarming celebration of life’s complexities and the enduring power of written communication.