Lake County Gazette

Amy's Pick of the Week: 'The Correspondent'

Jul 1, 2025

For many, letter writing has been replaced by emailing and texting. However, in Virginia Evans’ new epistolary novel "The Correspondent," this traditional form of communication takes center stage. The protagonist, Sybil Van Antwerp—a mother, grandmother, friend, and retired lawyer—connects with various people in her life through letters. These correspondences offer readers a glimpse into over a decade of Sybil’s life.

Initially, the collection of letters appears insignificant: heartfelt notes to her brother in France, a thank-you card to her neighbor, and fan mail to Ann Patchett regarding her 2012 book "State of Wonder. " However, as the story unfolds, excerpts from letters written to a mysterious individual reveal more complex relationships.

Sybil's connections are intricate. Her best friend is married to her ex- husband’s brother. She frequently corresponds with the estranged young son of a former colleague under an agreement not to share information with his father. Additionally, she finds herself at odds with the garden club and begins receiving threatening letters signed only with initials.

Throughout the book, it becomes clear that others accommodate Sybil’s preferred communication style—a method that allows for careful and measured responses. This approach enables readers to see multiple facets of Sybil's character who might otherwise be perceived as gruff.

The ten years chronicled in "The Correspondent" are filled with intrigue, some danger, romance, family disputes, and forgiveness—all conveyed through written correspondence that invites readers into Sybil's complicated world. Even those reluctant to pick up pen and paper may find themselves drawn to this engaging read.

"If you enjoyed Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout or The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams," writes Amy Rogers about her recommendation on Bookwoman,"The Correspondent may have been written for you."