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Panic!_at_the_Library 's Reviews > The Correspondent
The Correspondent
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This book is written entirely in letter format. Every piece of writing comes from or to the FMC. Our MC is a septuagenarian who realizes she is quite lonely. She also seeks resolutions to previous regrets and current problems.
In a way, this book reminds me of Sipsworth, which was about an old lady and her pet mouse. I found Sipsworth to be more moving and interesting overall.
The letter writing is interesting as the reader doesn’t know the truth about many things until they get through all the letters. In this way, the reader may propel through the material to get to the story quicker.
That said, this book, while easy-to-read, was lacking a more substantial storyline. While truly heartbreaking occurrences plague the MC, since everything is delivered to the reader via letter, I had a really challenging time connecting with most characters. The letter format somewhat stalls the reader from diving deeper, and the story may have been stronger with a mix of narratives and letters.
3.5 rounded up.
In a way, this book reminds me of Sipsworth, which was about an old lady and her pet mouse. I found Sipsworth to be more moving and interesting overall.
The letter writing is interesting as the reader doesn’t know the truth about many things until they get through all the letters. In this way, the reader may propel through the material to get to the story quicker.
That said, this book, while easy-to-read, was lacking a more substantial storyline. While truly heartbreaking occurrences plague the MC, since everything is delivered to the reader via letter, I had a really challenging time connecting with most characters. The letter format somewhat stalls the reader from diving deeper, and the story may have been stronger with a mix of narratives and letters.
3.5 rounded up.
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Reading Progress
May 19, 2025
–
Started Reading
May 19, 2025
– Shelved
May 21, 2025
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Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-24 of 24 (24 new)
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NZLisaM
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May 22, 2025 01:49AM
Fantastic review!
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Terrific review, Mon!
Superb review, but I am not fond of epistolary novels for precisely the reason you mention. 💖📚
I enjoyed Sipsworth a lot, but this does sound like a weaker cousin. I have it on my list, so fingers crossed for me. Thanks for your honest review, Mon! It really helped set the right expectations.
Great review, Mon! This sounds a bit lackluster, but still glad you got some enjoyment out of it.
NZLisaM wrote: "Fantastic review!"Thanks, Lisa! Happy weekend ❤️
Canadian Jen wrote: "Terrific review, Mon!"So nice! Thanks, Jen ☺️
Rain wrote: "Sounds very interesting!"It was interesting. It wasn’t really compelling, but maybe I just learned I don’t love epistolary novels. Happy weekend 💕
Sandysbookaday wrote: "Superb review, but I am not fond of epistolary novels for precisely the reason you mention. 💖📚"Thanks, Sandy! I hadn’t read an epistolary novel until now, so maybe they aren’t for me either.
Rosh ~catching up slowly~ wrote: "I enjoyed Sipsworth a lot, but this does sound like a weaker cousin. I have it on my list, so fingers crossed for me. Thanks for your honest review, Mon! It really helped set the right expectations."You have, as usual, described the book just perfectly. Sipsworth was a superior novel imo. I’m so curious how you like The Correspondent! I hope you enjoy ♥️
Yun wrote: "Great review, Mon! This sounds a bit lackluster, but still glad you got some enjoyment out of it."Even lackluster entertainment is entertainment nonetheless 😂
Thanks, Yun! 💕
Wonderful review my friend. Too bad it didn't strike the right chords 💜📚
Zaynab wrote: "Wonderful review my friend. Too bad it didn't strike the right chords 💜📚"Thanks, friend! It was good enough. At least it wasn’t a DNF for me. Happy weekend ❤️
Fantastic review, Mon! 💖
Debbie wrote: "Fantastic review, Mon! 💖"Thank you, Debbie! Hope you’re reading something amazing right now ♥️
Terrific review, Panic! This sounds intriguing, but I'm more interested in the book with the pet mouse. 😀
Jamie wrote: "Terrific review, Panic! This sounds intriguing, but I'm more interested in the book with the pet mouse. 😀"Team pet mouse book all the way 📣
Interesting review, Panic. It’s true we don’t get to know the other characters as well as we do Sybil, but for me (someone who craves depth), the complexity of Sybil, how she navigated the world, and the way she was revealed, all made this powerfully deep for me.
I think if you were to listen to the audiobook, you would find it even more compelling. The narration is wonderful and hits the write emotions.
message 21:
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Tara — on semi-hiatus for health reasons; will check in when possible.
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Great review, Mon!
Jennifer wrote: "Interesting review, Panic. It’s true we don’t get to know the other characters as well as we do Sybil, but for me (someone who craves depth), the complexity of Sybil, how she navigated the world, a..."Jennifer, it’s so true that we get to know Sybil in such a meaningful way. I’ve read other epistolary novels before; my favorite is A Town with Half the Lights On. But it’s a lighter book, and there are more perspectives. I love that so many readers connected with The Correspondent. It did remind me of Sipsworth, which is a favorite of mine. I can see why The Correspondent gets seemingly infinite amounts of praise. For me, something was missing, but I hope that doesn’t stop anyone from reading the book who may enjoy it. Thanks for the thoughtful comment ♥️
Susie wrote: "I think if you were to listen to the audiobook, you would find it even more compelling. The narration is wonderful and hits the write emotions."I would love to do that! I really struggle to focus with audiobooks or even digital books. Everything I read is a physical book, although I have tried several audios in the past. If I still had a long commute, I would absolutely be going the audio route. Thanks for the wonderful suggestion! Love that the narrators escalated the experience and helped you to enjoy this book. ❤️
Tara — on semi-hiatus for health reasons; will check in when possible. wrote: "Great review, Mon!"Thanks so much, Tara! I hope you’re doing well!🌻
