The Correspondent

A Novel

De: Virginia Evans

Narrado por: Maggi-Meg Reed, Jane Oppenheimer, Carly Robins, Jeff Ebner, David Pittu, Chris Andrew Ciulla, Mark Bramhall, Petrea Burchard, Robert Petkoff, Kimberly Farr, Cerris Morgan-Moyer, Peter Ganim, Jade Wheeler, various

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Discover the word-of-mouth hit hailed by Ann Patchett as “a cause for celebration”—an intimate novel about the transformative power of the written word and the beauty of slowing down to reconnect with the people we love.

“I cried more than once as I witnessed this brilliant woman come to understand herself more deeply.”—Florence Knapp, author of The Names

LONGLISTED FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION FIRST NOVEL PRIZE • A PBS TOP SUMMER BOOK • LIBRARYREADS PICK OF THE MONTH

“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 hear.

©2025 Virginia Evans (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Subtly told and finely made, The Correspondent is a portrait of a small life expanding. Virginia Evans shows how one woman changes at a point when change had seemed impossible. That change, like this novel, turns out to be a cause for celebration.”—Ann Patchett

“The charming debut from Evans takes the form of letters and emails exchanged by a divorced and retired woman with her friends, family, foes, and literary idols. . . . As the years go on, Sybil’s relationships brim with tension waiting to be released, and the detailed connections between each character are brilliantly mapped through the correspondence. It adds up to an appealing family drama.”—Publishers Weekly

“I finished this wonderful, wonderful book in tears, and had to take a moment—several moments—to pull myself together. . . . Equal parts sorrow and quiet joy, the stuff of life, it will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you reflect, as all the best novels do.”—Fran Littlewood, New York Times bestselling author of Amazing Grace Adams

Enjoyed this book thoroughly

I rarely listen or read fiction; I am far more interested in things that are true. The only fiction I read is historical fiction based on true events. My friends have told me that this is a failure of my imagination, and I should expand my horizons. So I picked up this book, and was surprised to find that I was riveted by it, and believed in the possibility of every emotion and circumstance. Even if the story itself was not technically non-fiction. It read like non-fiction, and I was hooked, listening at every available opportunity until I finished it. And I was sorry to have it end. Usually, I feel a sense of satisfaction when a book is finished, but I wanted this one to go on. Excellent narration, writing, and structure. Just a great book, all the way around.

Brilliant! The idea of telling someone’s life through correspondence is brilliant.

I loved the development of characters and their stories letter by letter, month by month, year by year - and I loved every single one of them. I got so angry at Sybil so many times! I don’t know if I could have remained her friend and yet I ended up loving her. I miss her already. I shall listen to this book again. Everyone’s performance was also brilliant. Bravo!

Fantastic! both the book and the readers.

I felt a string connection to this story and to Sybil's anguish. the narration is beyond superb! I also loved hearing what books she was reading. I will listen again and make a list as I am sure I will love most of them.

Excellent audiobook with full cast

A beautiful story - sweet and thoughtful - brought to life by the full cast of the audiobook

The power of Sybil’s writings to express her past and present life and memories

I liked all of it. The narrators were all fabulous and made it feel as if I could see the letters.

Good story

I’m a thriller girl, but I’m trying out some different genres. This was written very differently, and I liked it a lot. It’s an odd one for me because this is the first time that I would say I liked a book but didn’t like the main character. She just kind of got on my nerves, but I loved her story. I would recommend this book.

Tender and roving

This was a slow but beautiful book. Like a walk through a garden. The language was beautiful and the characters so well developed that they will stay with me for a long time. My parents are in their 70s and this was a poignant read about the realities of living with all the complexities of life and relationships. I loved it.

Excellent

I really enjoyed this book and the writing style. It was one I’ll remember for a long while.

Tender - restorative

As a letter writer, the novel’s structure hit the center of the bull’s eye. Hope a film is adapted to this precious story.

The Correspondent-Worth the listen

Such a wonderful listen. The artists draw into the story and you become hooked. The story is well written and emotional. It’s makes want to start writing letters 🩷