Mary Ann
Dear SSS Reader,
I am writing to share a unique book with you, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. In the last few years, there have been several books written in the letter format, so I decided I would write the review in the same manner. Let’s see how this goes.
The Correspondent is the story of Sybil Van Antwerp. Sybil is a woman of letters, that is, letter writing. The story progresses through her letters and emails that she writes each day. Sybil is in her 70s, and this is another trend in some recent literature with Theo of Golden and Remarkably, Bright Creatures with Tova’s story. All older people who share their wisdom thorough the stories.
Sybil writes her brother, her best friend, her children, her neighbor, and famous authors such as Joan Didion who do answer her. There is a continuing battle with her garden club. You can identify with Sybil and her fellow characters as they live life just like you. She has a charming exchange with Harry, a young man who needs a friend in his corner. We watch Harry grow up in Sybil’s letters.
There are some romances in Sybil’s golden years, and secrets from her past that unfold with the evolution of the story. Sybil was adopted, and her DNA opens new avenues to investigate. The Correspondent is full of surprises and is a good lesson for us all to learn. There are surprises waiting for all of us that are just around the corner.
As you join Sybil by reading her story through her letters, you will find a book of memorable characters and witness a life well-lived. The Correspondent has been a selection for many book clubs and questions are provided at the end of the book. Cynthia read it as a selection for her club.
The Correspondent is being made into a major motion picture. Won’t that be fun! Maybe Helen Mirren will play Sybil? It is fun to imagine who will have the lead role. As I read books, I often cast the movie in my head, and for the most part I never get it right. I guess I do not have a future career as a casting director. Do you do this as well?
I have enjoyed sharing this review with you through a letter. I hope you have enjoyed it too. The Correspondent is a quick read, and maybe it will encourage you to write an old friend or your grandchildren. It is nice to get a letter in the mail.
Fond Regards,
Mary Ann
Silver Sage Sisters 