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Diane Barnes's Reviews > The Correspondent
The Correspondent
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6/18/25 -UPDATE
I attended her bookstore event in Charleston last night. She is warm and witty and charming, was very open about her 20 year writing career with so many rejected novels, then finally the success of this one when she least expected it. Funny, self-deprecating behavior wins me over every time. This has reached best seller lists all over the country, though not NYT yet, but it's being published in 20 countries, with more to come.
I'll just go ahead and say right now that this is my favorite book of the year, no matter that it's only the 18th of May. I've got lots of literary male crushes, but Sybil van Antwerp is my first choice for literary best friend. She's 72 when we begin this epistilary novel, crotchety and outspoken, intelligent and well read, independent and set in her ways. She lives alone and has just found out she will be losing her sight gradually over the next few years.
She has always been an inveterate letter writer, feeling that she can get her thoughts down on paper better than orally, so we are treated to her handwritten letters to friends and family, and to anyone else who she feels deserves a piece of her mind, in good ways and bad. She especially loves to write to authors, has an ongoing exchange with Joan Didion about grief, Diana Gabaldon on the amount of sex in her books, and her letter to Larry McMurtry after her 3rd reading of Lonesome Dove had me in tears. We also get emails to and from a few people and businesses. A lot of people write her back and we are treated to their replies as well.
Through these letters and replies, we get the story of Sybil's life. She's made a few horrendous and life altering mistakes in her time, for which she feels horrible guilt. She makes amends where she can, but that's not always possible. In short, she lives just as we all do, trying the best she knows how.
That's why I love Sybil, she tries. Not always successfully, but always whole-heartedly. She helps when she can, reaches out, isn't afraid to admit fault or assign it. I finished this book wishing I were one of her correspondents, because letter writing is a dying art and when it's done right, is a special thing. Just think of how you feel when you get a simple thank you note instead of a text or email. Or a postcard from a friend who bothered to write, find a stamp and take it out to the mailbox. It always gives me a little jolt of joy, but doesn't happen often. In fact, I plan to write this author myself, a hand-written note to say how much I enjoyed this book. Maybe, just maybe, she'll write me back.
I attended her bookstore event in Charleston last night. She is warm and witty and charming, was very open about her 20 year writing career with so many rejected novels, then finally the success of this one when she least expected it. Funny, self-deprecating behavior wins me over every time. This has reached best seller lists all over the country, though not NYT yet, but it's being published in 20 countries, with more to come.
I'll just go ahead and say right now that this is my favorite book of the year, no matter that it's only the 18th of May. I've got lots of literary male crushes, but Sybil van Antwerp is my first choice for literary best friend. She's 72 when we begin this epistilary novel, crotchety and outspoken, intelligent and well read, independent and set in her ways. She lives alone and has just found out she will be losing her sight gradually over the next few years.
She has always been an inveterate letter writer, feeling that she can get her thoughts down on paper better than orally, so we are treated to her handwritten letters to friends and family, and to anyone else who she feels deserves a piece of her mind, in good ways and bad. She especially loves to write to authors, has an ongoing exchange with Joan Didion about grief, Diana Gabaldon on the amount of sex in her books, and her letter to Larry McMurtry after her 3rd reading of Lonesome Dove had me in tears. We also get emails to and from a few people and businesses. A lot of people write her back and we are treated to their replies as well.
Through these letters and replies, we get the story of Sybil's life. She's made a few horrendous and life altering mistakes in her time, for which she feels horrible guilt. She makes amends where she can, but that's not always possible. In short, she lives just as we all do, trying the best she knows how.
That's why I love Sybil, she tries. Not always successfully, but always whole-heartedly. She helps when she can, reaches out, isn't afraid to admit fault or assign it. I finished this book wishing I were one of her correspondents, because letter writing is a dying art and when it's done right, is a special thing. Just think of how you feel when you get a simple thank you note instead of a text or email. Or a postcard from a friend who bothered to write, find a stamp and take it out to the mailbox. It always gives me a little jolt of joy, but doesn't happen often. In fact, I plan to write this author myself, a hand-written note to say how much I enjoyed this book. Maybe, just maybe, she'll write me back.
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Comments Showing 101-150 of 234 (234 new)
Wow, Diane! Thanks for this heartfelt, passionate review. Looks like another must-read for me as a big fan of handwritten letters and notes.
Sandy, if you read this one, you'll be a fan too!
I’m just finished reading it!! Soooo Very glad you recommended it! Delighted that you wrote to Virginia & that she wrote back to you!! Fits this novel perfectly!!
I'm glad you enjoyed it too May. I'm trying to start writing more personal notes.
I loved your review almost as much as I loved the book! It was a gem
I just saw a mention of this book and looked it up. So glad I saw your review first. Somehow it would feel wrong to read this on kindle. It sounds like a book that must be read on paper! Wonderful review, Diane and your follow up with the author, fantastic. It’s a definite add to my list.
If I had the money Sue, I'd send a copy of this one to all my friends over the age of 50. Although younger people are enjoying it too. You won't regret buying it, or adding it to a birthday or Christmas list.
Jeanne, missed your comment. Thanks and I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Diane, I tried this very ploy of letter writing about 10 years ago to my grammar school group, Bunco club oldies, workmates from former jobs etc. YOU now get a call back and fewer than 4 living people actually wrote me back in this form. But all the long not seen relatives, friends, and still somewhere in Oregon etc. people DID contact. But letters and handwriting have left the building. I can attest to it as I tried it.
And even that has changed. It went from calls to email (most of those I got back were email) and NOW it is absolutely nearly 100% in texts. My adult grandchildren talk about my handwriting. They think it is art. They should have seen my Dad's. It was. He did his on the sleds or bikes or wagons for Marshall Field's in calligraphy for personalizing them. Those skills and also the pure included service is no more.
Great review. I am 78 years old and see myself in much of Sybil’s life. It was my daughter who recommended the book…she probably saw the same.
I get that Jeanette, email and text are certainly easier than writing a note, finding a stamp, going to the mailbox, etc. But even if not acknowledged, a personal note may give someone a little spark of joy.
loved it!!
Yes! yes! yes! To alll
I just finished listening to this wonderful book. I cried and laughed and didn’t want it to end. I will be recommending it to many people. Diane, your review was spot on.
Thanks Jan, Fairy, Holly and Susan. I think I could reread this once a year and find something new every time.
Diane wrote: "Thanks Jan, Fairy, Holly and Susan. I think I could reread this once a year and find something new every time."Brilliant is the word that comes to mind about this title.
It was brilliant Rachel.
You’re a very good writer yourself!
I wholeheartedly agree with your review. I couldn't get enough of Sybil. I listened to the audiobook, which was beautifully narrated by a talented, extensive cast.
Thank you Patricia.
Jodell, I'm just sad there can't be more of Sybil. Glad the audio worked for you.
I taught one of her children. She is truly one of the most gracious and kind people you will ever meet.
I suspected as much from the book signing I attended. True warmth just radiated from her.
Circling back now that I have read this one to thank you for the gift.
How fun that she wrote you back, Diane! Thanks for updating us. It’s hard to imagine maintaining a commitment to anything after being rejected for so many decades. How wild to achieve this in her 70s! I don’t know what the NYT is waiting for.
Diane - How wonderful you got to meet her and thank you for your ongoing endorsement of this gem of a book that I might have missed if not for you.
Jennifer, Sybil is in her 70's, but not the author, she looked to be in her early 40's. She was inspired by a relative who loved writing letters. Still, writing for 20 years despite repeated rejections is a feat.
Thank you Seawitch, I love seeing all these positive reviews of a book I love.
I just finished listening to this audio. The narrators are amazing. I fell in love with Sybil and everything she did and every letter she wrote . I am the same age as Sybil and that made it even more interesting. I reviewed my life as she reviewed hers. I write cards a lot, but I’m not very good at writing letters, but I’m going to start doing that. I gave this book 5 stars and would’ve given it more if possible. I loved it.
Hi Diane, do you remember me by any chance? I read this book because of your review. Thank you. Since I am not a writer in any sense of the word, I won't be writing anyone. But this book helped me imagine that I could and did. That in itself made this book even more meaningful.
I felt the same way Kathleen, as I am the same age too. I just bought some nice stationary, I think it means a lot to people to know you took the time to write.
Carol, of course I remember you! I'm still reading all those books you recommended in the past. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed this book, I know I'll read it again.
What a fantastic experience Diane!💕
I forgot how important letter writing is. It’s so much more intimate and tangible. A letter is like a treasure you look at it read it and usually brings back a fond memory. I have letters from my children when they were at camp, an uncle who lived to 101. He is gone but I have his letter. I have a letter written to my parents from a relative who attended my wedding which would be almost 70 years ago. What do you have with texting or phone calls?
Right Eleanor. I have to admit emails and phone calls are more efficient, but there is no soul there. I'm trying to get better about letter writing. I bought some stationery and stamps to have on hand.
Diane, I can’t possibly add anything to your review or the comments already made. This book was fabulous, and made me seriously consider starting writing letters - but I know I won’t…. I used to write letters all the time (before the days of cheap long distance and instant messaging), and I have boxes of letters I’ve received from the past 60 years or so.
Isn't it interesting to read older novels like Jane Austen s books and to realize that's all they used to have to communicate? I remember writing a good friend who lived in another state almost weekly , before internet and email.
I’d love this book so much… It grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go! I swallowed up like a delicious treat and couldn’t put it down
It's that kind of book Mary.
Diane wrote: "It's that kind of book Mary."Diane you are the person who alerted me to this book. THANKS
Diane I love your review of this book I have just finished, so much so, I am considering reading it again. I used to be an avid letter writer in my earlier days. I still have some of those sent to me. I may just go hunting for them. Reading the novel, I thought about taking it up again. Maybe, just maybe I will.
Wow, 143 comments! You know both the book and your wonderful review made a Big impact!!
Rachel and Ariel, thank you.
Sherril, I hope it did, and that all those people who read it because of me went out and got more readers with their own reviews. It seems this author has really touched a nerve!
10/10 review, my favorite book I’ve read of 2025.
Usually I'm a slow reader. Two days for this one. That says it all. 10/10.
I love it.