The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a warm, moving, and beautifully written novel told entirely through letters and emails. It follows 73-year-old Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired lawyer whose lifelong habit of correspondence reveals her wit, intelligence, regrets, and deep emotional wounds. As she confronts grief, ageing, family relationships, and long-buried secrets, the letters gradually build a rich portrait of a complex and unforgettable woman.
In the discussion, we discussed the impact of adoption on people, how shut in and complex Sybil was. The rippling repercussions of the death of her son and how writing was an outlet. Although not based on a true story it did feel 'real' the character of the epistle/email writers came out in their correspondence. Many loved this book - giving it an unqualified 10 where some felt the epistolary style didn't add to the novel.
Marks out of 10: between 6 - 10 so highly marked in general
Words used to describe it: complex person, poignant, evocative, absolutely brilliant, absorbing, captivating, drawn in
Next Book
To mark the recent death of Jilly Cooper, a little frivolity
Octavia and if you have time Harriet
the other suggestion was The Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty
Next Meeting
at Naila's
15th November
Christmas Get Together
11th December at the Caledonian Club
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