Book Review: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

If you love character-driven stories filled with wit, warmth and keen observation, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a delightful read that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

At the heart of The Correspondent is Sybil Van Antwerp, sharp-minded, particular, and fiercely independent. Through a series of letters, we come to know Sybil in all her complexity. As she writes to friends, family members, authors and even institutions, a portrait slowly unfolds: a woman shaped by love, loss, regret and resilience.

Evans uses the epistolary format (a novel told through letters) to wonderful effect. Each piece of correspondence feels intimate and revealing, allowing readers to glimpse both what Sybil chooses to share and what she carefully avoids. The result is a layered, quietly powerful exploration of ageing, relationships and the stories we tell about ourselves.

There is a gentle humour running throughout the novel, balanced by moments of real emotional depth. Sybil is not always easy, she can be stubborn, exacting and blunt, but she is wholly human. Watching her reflect on her past and navigate her present is both moving and, at times, unexpectedly funny.

You can borrow The Correspondent from your local library today. Place a hold through our catalogue or ask our friendly staff to help you find a copy.