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Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, around half past ten, Sybil sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter.

Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—a mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a very full life. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness.

Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime. Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever read.

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Our Review -

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The Correspondent is an amazing first book, and we're going to be talking about it for ages! The story unfolds through the letters that Sybil Van Antwerp writes and receives. Sybil is a lively woman in her seventies who adores reading and gardening. She connects with everyone through her letters, never hesitating to reach out to anyone, and has made friends with quite a few celebrities over the years. We loved how she often chats about books with her pen pals. Sybil has a sharp wit and isn't shy about sharing her honest opinions. As we read through her letters and emails, we learn so much about her life as a law clerk, her relationship with her daughter, her family history, and the painful truths she has faced. It's a tale about meaningful connections, the impact we have on others, and reflecting on the past while moving forward. The supporting characters are all distinct and captivating, playing a crucial role in Sybil's journey. We wholeheartedly recommend this book and can't wait to see more from Virginia Evans!