The Correspondent

A Novel

By: Virginia Evans

Narrated by: 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

#1 NEW YORK TIMES 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.

“The Correspondent is this year’s breakout novel no one saw coming.”—The Wall Street Journal

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

In development as a major motion picture starring Jane Fonda

LONGLISTED FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION FIRST NOVEL PRIZE, THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL, AND THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION • A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, Elle, Christian Science Monitor, She Reads

“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.

Phenomenal Story Plus Performances!

This audiobook is the whole package, with both an excellent story and fantastic multi cast narration…. I sincerely felt as though I was listening to a play. The story is told through letters and kept me hooked for hours at a time. I managed to finish the audio in just a couple of days. The story is tender and heartfelt, and will certainly make you tear up… Especially near the end. 🥹👍🏼👍🏼

I loved this audio book so much I didn’t want it to end.

A beautiful story of a life (and lives of others) through letters. Each letter writer develops a personality and their stories intertwine with Sybil’s all in very different ways. The people doing the voices of the letter writers are distinct and the inflections and emotions make it even better. While I sometimes feel like I’m cheating listening to books instead of reading them, I think this one may be a great exception because it’s so well done.

The narration is breathtaking

At first I wasn’t sure- an entire story based on letters and emails? Then after about 45 minutes the storytelling became so captivating I was hooked. I’m a better person for having heard Sybil’s story. Do not think twice about listening to this one.

Great story & great audio production

The audio production was wonderful to listen to with all the various artists. Best audio book production I have ever listened to.

Broke me

This book broke me open. The first bit was slow going, but after several chapters I was enthralled. I found much of the story to be utterly devastating and would often weep while listening. If you enjoy stories that are fully immersive in which you feel as though you truly know the main character—this book is for you. It’s beautiful and heart shattering and worth every minute.