At age 73, Sybil Van Antwerp is cruising through retirement, thank you very much.

Her career is over, the children are gone and her husband is divorced. She has plenty of time to read, to garden and to write letters.

Her letters tell the other side of the story: the regrets, the hurts. She races against time to make amends as her eyesight fails.

Virginia Evans has written a book that rings true to us septuagenarians. The author is wise beyond her years.

I appreciate NetGallery for giving me access to this beautiful book. It’s a quick read, but painful. The format is unique, at least to me, but works. I’m richer for having read it.

THE CORRESPONDENT proves that you can measure a life in letters, and the letters of one woman will stay with you long after you close the pages of this beautiful debut.

On the cover of the book, Ann Patchett declares that THE CORRESPONDENT, Virginia Evans' debut novel told entirely through letters, emails, and notes, is "a cause for celebration," and, oh, is she ever right. This epistolary novel takes place on the desk of Sybil Van Antwerp. Sybil is alone, facing the end of her life and holding back secrets from both her friends and family. Over the course of a few years, we see how Sybil's life, as she reckons with what's to come and what she has to lose, fails to contract: Rather, we see how a life can grow even in its later stages, with the help new young friends, a neighbor who checks in, and even a customer service representative and a professor on the wrong end of the stick. Oh, and Joan Didion, because of course. As Sybil connects and converses with all these individuals (using the written word, strictly), readers will fall in love with this woman, who still clearly has a lot of love to give.

A friend of mine recently reminded me that just because one hates a character, does not mean one hates a book. And, perhaps, dear readers, I suspect you'll also go on a bit of a *journey* with Sybil, a retired judge's clerk, mother of disappointing children, and protector of outdated modes of communication. But my early disdain for our protagonist didn't discourage me from continuing to read, and, oh wow, am I glad I did. For a debut, this novel is absolutely staggering. It overcomes the challenges of a restrictive narrative style to tell the story of not just a moment, but an entire lifetime. It's a novel that challenges our assumptions about the importance of long-form written communication in a world that prioritizes so much else. Be prepared to shed tears (of joy and sorrow) and laugh out loud at a near octogenarian learning the internet for the first time. Above all, be prepared to fall in love.

Thanks to Crown Publishing for my early gifted copy. THE CORRESPONDENT is out in May.

From the time Sybil was a little girl, she found solace in writing letters. Always the odd duck in social situations, she built a career as a lawyer and later as a clerk for a judge in Washington D.C. She married, had children, and continued to write letters the old-fashioned way with pen and paper. But when a personal tragedy struck, Sybil lost her way with her family and friends and retreated to the only safe haven she knew - letter writing.
The Correspondent is a collection of letters to and from Sybil over the 70+ years of her life and offer insight into the life that she has led and how it is all rapidly changing for her in her final years as she is losing her eyesight and can no longer write or read the books and letters she loves.
Readers will grow to know each of her correspondents and eagerly await the next "letter" from each of them. Sybil is a complete character and readers will find that she is so much more than just an old lady who still insists on writing "real" letters. A true gem of a book.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this lovely book. I requested the book because I loved the cover and fortunately for me the story was as good!! I enjoyed that we get the story through Sybil’s letters. She is just the epitome of blunt and a little cranky. But we get to see how her in all her aspects touches people she sees predetermined to annoy. We also get to see her discover, acknowledge, and grow into herself in her later years. Reading this book makes me want to be braver with my letter writing! I also found myself wishing I could see an actual picture of her house to see if it matched my imagination.

“The Correspondent” by Virginia Evens is a heartfelt and stunning debut novel that tells the story of a woman’s life through her impeccably handwritten correspondence to friends, family and strangers. It is impossible not to connect deeply with her flawed and quirky character as we learn about her successful professional life and the challenges that career placed on her as a mother, wife and friend. Her struggles as an aging woman with strong opinions, dealing with loss and self doubt help us to recognize that there are consequences for our actions and how it impacts the other people in our lives. This book is full of emotion that will make you tear up and sharp insights that you will want to remember. I loved every word in this book and congratulate the extremely talented author.

Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sybil is a 78 year old woman who has communicated through writing letters her whole life. Facing the loss of vision, she realizes how much letters have shaped her life and relationships.


Sybil writes to her children, friends, authors and acquaintances. Her story unfolds slowly and beautifully as she shares her history and life, mistakes and regrets. Beautifully paced, it is a treasure to read.

Sybil Van Antwerp led an eventful life until she became almost a recluse. She passed the bar when law was not a career for women and was lucky to partner with an older lawyer whom she greatly respected. When his career progressed and he became a judge, she clerked for him and they were a great team. She also married a Belgium native and had three children, one who died at the age of 8 in a swimming accident. She never recovered from his death and started pushing the people she loved away. Her husband left her, she seldom saw her son and never visited her daughter who lived with her family in England. Her next door neighbor would always bring her roses from his garden for which she would write a brief thank you note, but never invite him in. When Sybil was fourteen months old, her mother put her up for adoption, an unusual age for a woman to give away her child. Her adoptive parents were kind and loving towards her, making her happy when they also adopted another child who became her little brother. Her son was always curious about his mother's background, and gave her a DNA kit for Christmas, which she wasn't happy about. Eventually she sent a sample in and found that she had a half-sister in Scotland. Hoping to stop this match from impacting anyone related to her, she contacted the company to shut the information down, but was unsuccessful. Her half-sister was informed of the match but didn't contact her-that made her curious, and she started digging for information, aided by a friend's son. Her life was starting to get more complicated than she bargained for, especially because a genetic condition was causing her to go blind-her vision was dimming and she knew her time in the visual world was getting short. Will she have the patience and strength to right the wrongs she has caused her family and others, and emerge from her self-induced cocoon into the messy world of reality?Correspondent is an epistolary novel, one that is told solely in letters. Sybil has a very precise writing routine; English stationery, certain pens, two days a week, 2 hours a day, wrap up on Saturday if needed. She sees hand-written letters as a legacy, to pass down to her grandchildren and in that way, keeping her memory alive. She writes to her family, to her pen-pal who became her best friend, to authors she appreciates, and all of her dealings with others, keeping her in the world but only through words. But as the novel progresses, the reader can see her quiet life unwind into a major crisis, as she finally has to deal with things in her past. This book has been compared to Elizabeth's Strout's Olive Kitteridge novels and I can see why. It has the quiet and calm manner that Strout uses to tell her stories, that seem insignificant until you get wrapped up in them. The Correspondent has that insular quality, but Evans knows how to slowly ramp up Sybil's drama to a boiling point, causing the reader to wonder how she will be able to cope. An amazing read-it may bring corresponding with paper and pen a thing again.

What a wonderful book. The epistolary style, somewhat unique in its use, provided a fascinating look into a woman’s life. There was some whimsy in the choice of people she writes to, however there is also the insight of a woman who is reflecting on her past and the people around her. A most enjoyable read

The Correspondent is a book of letters, which I love, written to and from Sybil. She is a retired woman who had a career as a clerk to a Judge, a family and many friends. I love how the book starts with letters to people she is not actually acquainted with. They are letters of complaint or basically fan letters to authors. It really gives you a feel for Sybil's personality. I loved her brother, her young friend Harry and her sweet neighbor once we started getting to know them. I love how you could see her relationship grow and evolve with each of them. I felt like I knew these characters so well and that is really important to me in a book. But the ending, sigh. I docked a star just for the ending. It was just such a let down. It was awkward and incomplete. I just really didn't like it. I am still so glad I read this book but I really feel like after all the amazing letters in this book the last one could have been so much better! Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy of this book!

I was intrigued by the summary of The Correspondent and loved the beautiful cover. I wanted to love this book and would have even been happy to like this book. But I felt it to be so confusing with the correspondence often out of order or not replied to by the recipient.

Sybil Van Antwerp is the main character of The Correspondent and she is the one who is The Correspondent. Sybil is an older lady with many old fashioned ideas and I did not find her to be likable at all.

The writing was lovely but the storyline lacked direction. I wish Evan's editor would have removed some of the correspondence that didn't add any value to the storyline.

This is a case of not all books are for all people.oh boy. Once again I am in the minority at this point.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is so charming! The epistolary format makes it unique and engaging. I loved the theme of forgiveness, and I got such a kick out of the bookish references to Joan Didion and Ann Patchett. I also really valued reading a book with an older protagonist. I think this book will be very popular once it is published, especially among readers who value cozy, emotional stories with interesting characters.

I am of the same age as the "correspondent" at the beginning of the book. The story that is told in letters and emails touched my heart and soul. I enjoy a book that unfolds slowly bringing the story together bit by bit. The story includes titles of many books that I plan to go back to and read again. I certainly recommend this book to any lover of words, letters, and books. This is one of the best books that I have read in a while.

Sybil Van Antwerp is a 78-year-old retiree who spends her time alone and quite content in her small house facing the water in Annapolois, Maryland. She is one of few people who continue the rare tradition of communicating via written letters, spending her mornings writing to her best friend, her brother, the son of one of her past work colleagues, several accomplished authors and an individual to whom, unlike everyone else, her letters are never mailed. We get to know Sybil as a mother, a daughter, an ex-wife, a friend, a love interest, a successful former servant of the legal justice system and a strong, wise woman with worthy opinions and doubts and regrets. What a wonderful way to allow a story to unfold. We get to know Sybil and her friends and family through letters of correspondence and learn of the significance and richness of a life well-lived not to mention the happy hopes of a life growing fuller even in the latter part of it.

In "The Correspondent," the titular character, Sybil Van Antwerp, unfolds her life through a captivating series of letters that span over eight years. Through her correspondence, readers gain a deeper understanding of Sybil than they might of their own family members. With a blend of humor, authenticity, and a touch of crankiness, she emerges as a memorable character akin to Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge—though it’s likely they would not have been friends.

Sybil is refreshingly flawed, exhibiting all the complexities that make her relatable. Her letters to a diverse cast—including her best friend, a young child she befriends, her adult children, her siblings, and various professional contacts—paint a vivid portrait of a woman with many thoughts. From the outset, the book evokes the charm of Helene Hanff’s "84, Charing Cross Road," a connection that is made in the book as well as other classics.

This book is a treasure for thoughtful readers who appreciate a well-crafted narrative told through an unconventional format. It will resonate especially with those who still feel a thrill at the sight of a handwritten letter in their mailbox. "The Correspondent" is not just a story; it’s an invitation to connect with a character who feels as real and flawed as any of us. Now excuse me, I need to go write a letter to someone.

Thank you to Crown for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Absolutely fabulous read!

The book introduces you to the main character, Sybil Van Antwerp, who uses the art of letter writing to express her thoughts and feelings. She does not use email and rarely picks up the phone. Sybil is a retired professional so you also have a glimpse into her work history through her letters. She writes as she would speak to someone, who include her family, friends and neighbors. She also befriends a troubled young man who has issues of his own and over time, her written words and his response to her (including residing with her for a year) helps him through a time of self discovery and success.

When I first read the description of what the book entailed, I was intrigued. Written letters actually telling a story? And because I had never read a book such as this, I decided to request it. I could not have been more pleased that I did! This fiction novel is written in such a way that I had to remind myself several times that this was fiction! As you journey through Sybil's written word, you learn more of the person she is and also have the privilege of seeing her transform through the replies she receives and the outlook of others.

When I completed this novel, I was saddened that the journey for me with Sybil was over.

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher for the privilege of receiving this ARC.

What a clever way to tell a story. I loved how the letters brought out the detail of the characters in Sybil life and how they really felt about each other and the events in their lives. I loved how we saw Sybil reveals herself in each of her letters and how she grew and became more understanding toward others as she lived her life. I loved that we discover the surprises in Sybil's life right along with her and in return we see the raw honesty from the letters from others to her and how they change her view in the world. I loved many of the surprises that came Sybil way but I loved the ones the most that she embraces and made her more human. I love the mistakes she reveals and the open heart she had at the end of the story and the love she found, it was very touching. I love how she would help others in need and how meticulous she was in trying to solve a problem, she never backdown when she thought the other party were looking at the problem the wrong way. And finally, I love the letters from the characters who had been effected by Sybil and would normally be portrayed in a one dimensional way, but in this story they were given a three dimensional life with both the good and bad results from Sybil decisions. Love it, Love it, Love it.

I want to thank Crown Publishing | Crown and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book that was amazing telling of someone's life through letters. Bravo

The book was difficult to follow along but as I read , and I was getting the understanding of the storyline. The storyline were a lot of letters different from other books I read. On the other hand, I think about how many people respond to grief in their lives. Example Sybil 's grief of son follow her most of her life ,and she regrets anything she has done in her life. I think that her written letters were helping her cope with grief and she was going blind as well. At end, I glad that she found her sister , also she enjoyed spending with her. It was sad how she died at her favorite place.I received a complimentary copy of this book . Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. # The Correspondent# #Netgalley#

Sybil Van Antwerp has written letters all of her life. Even with the quick turnaround with email, she prefers her specific paper and pen when communicating with others. This lovely epistolary novel unfolds immediately and provides readers with compelling reading. It’s clear….in due time….Sybil will answer all of our questions.

Wow wow wow wow wow. I finished this book in about 24 hours and that's very rare for me, but I found that as soon as I picked it up I just wanted to keep reading.

Sybil Van Antwerp may not be the most likable character throughout this book, but I loved her nonetheless. She is spirted, intelligent, guarded, but also clearly hurt and doing her best to maintain whatever she can of herself as she ages. The letter format was perfection and I genuinely believe the story could not have been told as well without it.

I loved the choice of the epistolary format because it not only made the story propulsive and easy-to-read, it also was used to define so much of Sybil's character. You understand so much about her so quickly through the letters and Evans does an incredible job of that ever evasive writing rule where every line should contribute to your understanding of the character or a forward movement of the plot - she just nails it.

I don't even want to share too much in this review because I loved going into the book knowing very little and just letting it take me through Sybil's journey, but I would highly recommend to anyone who is also a fan of A Man Called Ove or Olive Kitteridge.