When was the last time you put pen to paper, placed it in a stamped envelope and mailed it? Or, when did you last receive a handwritten letter? These are the explicit unspoken questions lingering within the pages of The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Plenty of implicit ones fill the pages.
The novel is a series of letters written by 70-something Sybil Van Antwerp . Through years of letter writing, Sybil’s daily routines, her history, emotions and relationships are revealed. Her complexities are relatable. She is kind, ornery and persistent. She writes letters to authors, friends, her brother, the son of a former colleague and many, many others. Sybil has much to write about; she’s a retired lawyer, avid reader, mother, divorcee and lifelong learner.
Yet, for all these qualities, she’s not entirely likeable. She holds a grudge and misses a lot that’s right in front of her. Some of this is due to her diminishing eyesight, but more can be attributed to her stubborn personality. When opportunities arise to make amends, she’s a mixed bag. She extends olive branches to those with whom she had peripheral contact, while refusing with family members, including her dying ex-husband.
Evans is heavy handed when it comes to lessons to be learned such as establishing and maintaining relationships. Sybil is not completely aware of the impact of her letters. Still, Sybil’s commitment to written correspondence is commendable, particularly considering her frequent lack of face-to-face social skills.
Nonetheless, it’s time to buy some postage stamps.
The Correspondent
Three and three-quarter bookmarks
Crown 2025
285 pages including acknowledgements
The Blue Page Special 