This post contains affiliate links. I had heard the hype about The Correspondent by Virginia Evans and was intrigued. However, around 80 pages in, I couldn’t figure out why. I did persevere and finish the book, but it wasn’t what I was expecting.
About The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
The entire book is written in letters–letters Sybil sends, and ones she receives. I actually enjoyed this format. I know some people found it difficult to keep all of the characters straight, but that wasn’t a problem for me. The problem for me was Sybil herself.
Sybil Van Antwerp is 72 years old when the book opens. She is a divorced, retired lawyer who has two grown children. She is rigid in her routines, doesn’t like to travel, and won’t go overseas to visit with her grown daughter. A neighbor has taken a liking to her and is always thinking of her–giving her treats and flowers.
Through the letters, it’s clear to see that Sybil can be sharp and critical, especially with the words she writes to friends about her children; sometimes she comes across as cold and unfeeling.
But as the book continues, her world slowly opens up, and Sybil begins to change. The story ends nearly a decade after it started.
My Thoughts on the Book
I considered not finishing the book because I didn’t like Sybil. She was mean and two-faced, especially when talking about her children.
As she got older, she mellowed, but honestly, I didn’t believe the way she turned her life around in her late 70s. I just didn’t buy that she would change that much.
I did appreciate that as she aged, she was able to self-reflect and see the wrongs she had done. I wish the author had made it clearer if she restored her relationship with one of her children. I’m guessing from the adult child’s end, there isn’t much peace about their relationship.
I give The Correspondent 3.5 out of 5 stars on the Mom’s Plans’ scale.
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