Novel Lovers of Sonoma County, CA

Publisher's description:
“Imagine, the letters one has sent out into the world, the letters received back in turn, are like the pieces of a magnificent puzzle. . . . Isn’t there something wonderful in that, to think that a story of one’s life is preserved in some way, that this very letter may one day mean something, even if it is a very small thing, to someone?”

Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime.

Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, around half past ten, Sybil sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter.

Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—a mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a very full life. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness.

Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever read.

Lucinda: "The Correspondent by Virginia Evans This was a beautiful book. I couldn’t put it down and was so impressed by the quality of writing, the humor, and the author’s ability to allow us to see each character with compassion. The book was published in April of 2025 and is on the NY Times best seller list. Anne Patchett calls it “ A cause for celebration.” 281 pages."

Nancy S: "I loved this book. It’s a fast read, an epistolary. The correspondent or main character is an older retired. She starts out in her 70s, a woman who is in the habit of writing letters every day -- on paper with a pen. Sometimes she writes to authors and you will recognize them. Some of the responses from friends and authors and other people she writes to are included. There are lots of little sub plots that have a real story arc to them. I couldn’t stop reading it. I entered her world totally. Her story is great in the struggle for wisdom but small in its world. It also has some great laugh out loud moments."

Mac: "I am part way through a first read of The Correspondent, and I’m already charmed. It moves along smartly and quickly as Sybil has ongoing written exchanges with a host of others. Several of her observations about aging have had me laughing out loud."

Joan: "I love the point of view of a 73-year- old woman with a backstory that we have to piece together little by little from the letters and emails she writes and receives. The format is unusual, and it works. The audiobook is wonderful with multiple voices narrating the different letter writers. At first I wasn't sure the book could sustain itself for 8.5 hours, but I it surpassed my expectations. I'm smitten!"