Whenever I begin an epistolary novel — told through letters or diaries — I initially feel a bit of resistance. Yet, a few pages in, I’m nearly always hooked. And so, I adored The Correspondent, the immensely popular debut novel by Virginia Evans, a graduate of James Madison University — no relation, despite the shared surname. The book introduces us to 73-year-old Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired lawyer and lifelong letter writer. Dedicating her mornings to correspondence, Sybil writes to family and friends, famous people she admires and customer service representatives she holds to task. (Her very first letter was to P. L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins.)
Through Sybil’s letters and email messages over a nine-year period, we come to understand her, be amused by her and fall in love with her. Through her correspondence, a unique personality shines through and we learn of Sybil’s flaws and strengths, brilliant and complicated career and long-buried secrets and fears. From the start, there is a bit of mystery in the novel, and we wonder what Sybil is hiding and thus not writing about. Is a terrible tragedy at the root of her irascible and sometimes prickly nature?
Regardless of who she is writing to, Sybil’s correspondence is authentic and, an aspect I appreciated, there is no sappiness. Sybil is who she is — feeling hurt by her daughter, confused by the romantic attentions of her neighbor, frustrated with the silliness of garden club members and committed to improved job prospects for a help desk employee.
Throughout, the author creates vivid characters within heartfelt circumstances. I particularly enjoyed Sybil’s amusing email exchanges with Melissa Genet, dean of the English department at a nearby university. The letters between Sybil and young Harry — the son of a former associate who confides his mental health struggles — are beautifully written. Evans brilliantly portrays Sybil’s sometimes complicated family relationships, something many readers will recognize and appreciate.
Virginia Evans’ novel reveals humanity in full form, placing Sybil’s regrets, joys and impatience with others on full display. Reflecting on her life and considering the insights from letters sent to her in return, she writes, “I have found it to be absolutely astounding, all the trouble living has turned out to be. Things nobody ever warned me about. I wish someone would have thought to say to me, earlier on, ‘Sybil, over and over again serpents will emerge from the bottom of the sea and grab you by the feet.’”
There is closure for readers as Sybil’s life choices and sadness are ultimately revealed. Storylines are wrapped up, but not always with a pretty bow. Regardless, Sybil discovers meaning in her life, comes to understand her own decisions and finds solace in repaired relationships. That is the best any of us can do.
I also recommend these books where correspondence is primary:
- The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
- Abigail Adams by Woody Holton
- Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters by Mark Dunn
