THE CORRESPONDENT by Virginia
Evans is a truly wonderful debut novel, one of the best books of the year so
far. The main character, named Sybil Van Antwerp, is in her 70s and readers
meet her as well as friends and family members through a series of letters,
Sybil’s preferred way of communicating. A former lawyer and clerk for a
well-known judge, Sybil writes to and receives letter from her dear friend Rosalie,
her ex-husband, her brother Felix, her two grown children (another died
at age 8), those involved in her law work, the young son of a former work colleague,
her neighbor, and inspirational writers like Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry.
Secrets and
traumas gradually peel back and Sybil increasingly sets herself new challenges
while also joining others in reflecting on the past: “You are right about what
you said - we are thirty in our hearts, before all the disappointment, all the
ways it turned out to be so much more painful than we thought it would be, but
then again, it has also been magic.” Kirkus describes this intriguing
novel brilliantly: “Evans has created a brusque and quirky yet endearing main
character with no shortage of opinions and advice for others but who fails to
excavate the knotty difficulties of her own life.” Highly recommended for all, including book
groups.
Another favorite quote: it seems you're the only person on this
earth who knows me and knowing you are there is a comfort. Has been a comfort,
a great comfort, and I will miss that. The things only you knew -- who else
will keep my memories … when you are gone?
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