The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Sybil is in her 70s and through her letters to family, friends, neighbours and even writers she admires, we learn the story of her life. But Sybil is hiding a big secret and has some serious regrets... and time is ticking. Are you ever too old to change your life?

What a FABULOUS achievement this novel is, I absolutely adored it! The author does such a fantastic job of revealing Sybil and her story through the means of the letters she writes/receives. I loved ALL the characters, especially Theodore and Harry. A book to make you laugh, cry and think about what it is to age and reflect back to your life. It's now on my favourites of the year list! Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

oh please give me a letter writing set like we of a certain age still remember using. didnt anyone else have the first moments of pure joy when thy were either gifted a letter set(usually a box with secret shelves which opened to reveal more notecards) or went to the shop to buy one. mine was winnie the pooh by the way, from the shop. i think i still have it or the remnants in a childhood draw. i also have a file of all my pen pal letters.
i wish we still did that. i loved receiving and sending letters.
i loved how this book centered around a cracker of a character. shes old, she knows her mind and this woman isnt for moving. or is she? what she does do is write. to anyone and all. because why not, she doesnt think she has much time left in her so why not tell people a few things in the form of the written word. its important she tell people a few things, ha!
this is a soul moving and soul lifting book. this book is a letter for all lovers of books. this book is a letter to anyone to just think, feel, and indulge in the warmth of true wit and humour and cosines of a true gem of a book.
this book needs more said about it but then id want to go into the details so i can tell you all about it. but i want you all to be able to come to it fresh. i want you to experience the opening and closing of each of her letters with the same smile i did.

Sybil Van Antwerp has been/is a wife, mother, grandmother, divorcee, renowned lawyer and friend. Over the years she has written thousands of letters - to her best friend, her brother, the young son of a friend, various well known authors and the president of her local university to name but a few. To one person she writes regularly, however never mails the letters. Now retired, she enjoys gardening, reading and spends many hours each week writing and posting letters. Through these letters we learn Sybil doesn't suffer fools gladly. She sees the world in black and white, is highly organised and structured and has tricky relationships with her children.

Sybil's story is told entirely through her correspondence and the replies she receives. Initially there appears to be little structure to the order of the correspondence however I quickly became enthralled by Sybil's story and enjoyed trying to identify the important snippets from the general chit chat. There are some amusing exchanges between Sybil and a customer service agent working for a Heritage DNA testing organisation. Sybil's prolonged attempts at trying to persuade the University Principle to allow her to attend a literary course is a joy.

The author's characterisation of Sybil is excellent, initially appearing cantankerous, intolerant and a bit cranky. However the reader will experience a whole gamut of emotions as Sybil writes about past tragedies and her regrets at some of the choices she made. The developing vulnerability as she opens up and seeks understanding for some of her past actions is beautifully crafted. This is a heartwarming but gritty tale of reflection and introspection and that it is never too late to seek forgiveness and more importantly to forgive oneself. The style of Virginia Evan's writing is different to so many other books with a starring older protagonist and is all the better for it.

This would make an excellent choice for a Book Club read

Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased review.

A book of letters! I am staggered by the author's ability to shape a story and character through her correspondence - I found it so refreshing and engaging to read. Loved it!

5 glorious stars for a true masterpiece of a book. Witty, clever and emotional, The Correspondent is a collection of letters, written between Sybil Van Antwerp and the various people who have come into her life.

Sybil is 73 at the start of the book. Retired from a distinguished law career, she loves gardening and letter writing. Three times a week at 10:30, she sits at her desk, hand writing her letters.

It is beautifully told, with descriptive prose setting scenes so well you it feels like you have stepped into these fictional places. I particularly loved reading about her writing desk, pots and pens everywhere, in front of a huge window with views overlooking the river. Exquisite!

There is plenty of emotion as the reader navigates through her stories and I will admit to shedding a few tears.

All in all, a beautifully told story that I will be raving about forever more. A contender for book of the year for me. I really need to get a hard copy of this to add to my collection!

Thanks to Virginia for writing this magnificent book and to the publishers for my eArc in exchange for an honest review. I really need to get a hard copy of this to add to my collection!

What a truly wonderful book, the best I’ve read in a very long time. I’d give it 10 stars if I could!

I knew the book involved letters, but I wasn't expecting the whole book to be formed of them - with the odd email and article added. And I really liked it. It can be difficult to write a book in a non-traditional way like this, but I can't imagine it being written in a conventional way, it would lose - in the words of The Mad Hatter - its muchness. So much of its charm comes from the, unfortunately, outdated art of putting pen to paper.

I loved the use of fictional characters and real people. It made the fictional ones feel real, and the real ones feel like our friends, someone we would write to.

I did worry at times, because how can you sustain a narrative through letters, so I was impressed. I sped through it. I thought the formatting would make it more clunky to read but it didn't and I was lost within it. I admit, for me, it didn't have a real key plot point, and it was a bit rambling but I loved that quality to it. It had that comforting rambling conversational quality to it, like I used to have with my late Nan.

In my view, this is a love letter to handwriting. Yes there is a plot and it's good and the characters are great. But this is all about putting pen to paper, which we sadly don't see too much of now. I for one am a great lover of writing letters but it does seem to be dying now.

It is such a heartwarming book and comforting. Sybil is an old lady, perhaps a little lonely, even if she doesn't admit it. She was a gorgeous characters and I loved reading her letters.

I believe this is Virginia's debut novel, and if that is the case then I am mightily impressed and I look forward to what's next.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

I found it quite difficult to follow due to the format on kindle.

Although I feel that it was intimate to read the letters, I didn’t feel like I ever truly got to know the real Sybil. I did enjoy seeing how other characters reacted to her/addressed her in their responses.

Epistolary novels never go out of fashion for good reason, I think. The Correspondent is a really worthy edition to the novel. Honest and moving and really engaging - recommended

The structure of this novel is so well done. The way Sybil’s letters unfold over time, how certain gaps in her story slowly fill in, and how her past and present collide—it’s all woven together beautifully. There’s something incredibly intimate about reading a character’s unfiltered thoughts in letter form, and Evans uses this to great effect. The result is a novel that feels deeply personal, like you’re peeking into someone’s life one page at a time.

A charming story told in letters and emails, packing more of a punch than I initially expected. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I enjoyed the epistolary format of The Correspondent and thought it lent itself well to the gradual and emotive exploration into Sybil and her past. I loved the writing style and overall thought this was a sweet yet deeply affecting read.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

well this was superb.
I am a big fan of epistolary novels and really should seek out more as I think they give such a human insight into a character. This is the story of Sybil, a woman in her 70s who is a big, big letterwriter. Through her letters to her best friend, her neighbours, a potential romantic interest, her brother, a long lost relative and more we learn about the life she led, her loves, her regrets, her career, her passions, her loss.
Truly a joy from start to finish

I'm a sucker for something written in diary or letter form, so The Correspondent immediately appealed. The book follows the life of spiky septuagenarian Sybil as told in a series of letters to friends, family and other correspondents. You piece together the parts of her life through these missives. She comes across as opinionated, driven, cantankerous yet ultimately understanding and loving and caring in her own way. There's some moments of real tenderness too: the letter from Daan made me tear up. Evans created some great characters here; you almost think they are real. It is also refreshing to have an older protagonist that is still able to learn things about herself. A warm, witty celebration of later life. Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.

Book Review: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Virginia Evans' The Correspondent is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of aging, relationships, and personal growth, all through the lens of letters written by an extraordinary woman, Sybil Van Antwerp. Fans of A Man Called Ove and 84 Charing Cross Road will find themselves equally charmed by this heartfelt and witty exploration of life, love, and the wisdom that comes with age.

The story is centered on Sybil, a seventy-three-year-old woman who begins her day with a ritual of writing letters—letters to her brother, to her best friend, and even to the president of a university she hopes to attend. Through these letters, Sybil’s sharp humor and hard-earned wisdom paint a portrait of a woman who has spent the majority of her life keeping people at arm’s length, all while trying to make sense of the world around her.

The heart of the novel lies in Sybil's reawakening when letters from someone from her past begin arriving, forcing her to confront mistakes and emotional distance that she had long ago buried. These letters—full of unanswered questions and old wounds—compel Sybil to reconsider the life she’s lived and the relationships she has pushed away. As she begins to reflect on her choices and the impact they've had on those she loves, readers are taken on a profound journey of self-discovery.

Evans’ writing is exquisite—each letter Sybil writes feels genuine and full of personality. It’s easy to feel connected to her, thanks to Evans’ ability to capture Sybil’s voice in a way that is both relatable and deeply moving. Sybil is a character who, despite her somewhat prickly exterior, is lovable and deeply human. Her wit, sharp observations, and underlying vulnerability make her a fascinating character to follow.

The Correspondent is also a quiet meditation on the passage of time. It explores the ways we change as we grow older, the lessons we learn, and the moments when we realize that it’s never too late to make amends or seek the love and connection we once thought impossible. Sybil’s journey is a reminder that, even in the autumn of life, there is always room for growth and transformation.

The novel is also full of beautiful moments of joy and heartbreak. Evans masterfully balances the humor of Sybil’s letters with the more poignant reflections on the choices she’s made, creating a reading experience that is as emotionally satisfying as it is thought-provoking. The depth of emotion in this novel will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.

If you’re a fan of literary fiction that offers both depth and warmth, The Correspondent is a must-read. Evans has created a deeply affecting story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately feel grateful for the connections that shape our lives.

Rating: 5/5
This novel is a rare gem—a deeply touching, beautifully written story about second chances, growth, and the power of reflection. Fans of character-driven stories with a mix of humor and heart will find themselves swept away by The Correspondent.

Written mostly through letters or emails, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans unfurls slowly. Bit by bit we learn about Sybil, once-feisty lawyer, now retired but who remains active through her writing. She likes to maintain her relationships, make new ones. I liked how the story addresses different aspects of ageing and shows the trajectory of a woman who was once professionally well-known.

The format is unusual but at times it felt a bit confusing and I found it difficult to keep track of who's who.

Overall, an interesting read.

Sybil, a septuagenarian with a past career in law, and excellent letter writing habits, is the main character of The Correspondent.
Evans’ craft is exquisite - a book with letters can easily become boresome, clunky and unoriginal. The case we have here is the opposite of that. Sybil is a complex character with several good and negative traits and experiences. Plus, all the other correspondents have a distinct voice in this book. I was keen to get to know Rosalie, Theodore, Henrietta, Fiona, Harry, Bassam, Martinelli - if I keep counting, it will amount to all characters in this book!
The plot is very well structured and executed as well, Who would think a book with correspondence could have so much soul and substance?
Some smart narrative structure choices there and all letters have just the right words for the respective plot point/topic.
I am so glad to have read this book and cannot wait to see what Evans next comes up with.

The story of a woman who experiences great change in the winter of her years. You learn about Sybil solely through her correspondence with others. It is beautifully written. She is a memorable character who learns to forgive herself and others, admits to past failures and builds new relationships. It’s really a lovely book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher to read an advance copy.

There are very few novels about older people. The processes of ageing, an understanding of how that might play out, the joys and difficulties it can bring, the opportunities it offers, that you are still very much alive, are not in the consciousness of society. It's refreshing to read a novel which has this at its heart. I wish there were more. Age will come to us all, if we're lucky. Better that we have an idea of what that might look like. The Correspondent weaves together the poignancy, absurdity, difficulties, realisations and paradoxes of ageing in an engaging way. It is intelligent, humorous and sensitive. I enjoyed that it came in letter and email form. As someone who has loved communication in a written form for a lifetime it read well for me. That Sybil continued to learn and grow, while putting her life in order, making peace with her past and present was meaningful. I particularly enjoyed that she had been a powerful, insightful woman who made errors and did foolish things, or failed to understand how certain things worked. People of all ages are often more complex and nuanced than we give them credit for.

This is a really unusual format which does a great job of telling you about the protagonists life through her correspondence with a combination of mostly letter but also some emails both sent and received. Sybil has led an interesting life but it has been shadowed by grief and it was fascinating to see the impact this had not only on Sybil but others too. There’s quite a number of correspondents so I did occasionally lose track of who was who but overall I found it easy to follow, due to the format each section is relatively short so I found it very easy to pick up and put down. Sybil is quite an unusual character, not the easiest of people, sometimes she seemed quite prickly but once you got to the heart of her she really cared. I loved the character of Harry and how she seemed to understand him as there were similar personality traits there. There’s some great character development in this and some great background which all ties together well during the course of the book which manages to be both heartbreaking and uplifting as it tells the story of a life.