The Rebel Bookshelf Conversation: The Correspondent
We believe books aren’t just stories — they’re rebellions in print. Each month, our resident book lover Jean-Marie, will take us on a tour through the pages of a new read.
But this isn’t your high school book report. Think of it more like pulling up a chair, pouring a glass of wine (or tea), and chatting with a friend who can’t wait to spill the good, the bad, and the unexpected about what she’s been reading.
Meet Jean-Marie
My Go-To Guide For Literary Suggestions and and when time allows, concert going, game playing, lifelong friend.
A note from Jean-Marie:
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans was our pick for September’s book club — and let me tell you, I didn’t see this one coming. I started this club 25 years ago to bring together friends who love to read, and over the years our group (ages 58 to 80) has read just about everything. The point was always to stretch ourselves beyond the books we’d normally choose — and this month definitely did that.
When the member introduced her choice, I’ll admit it: I mentally rolled my eyes. A whole novel written as letters back and forth between characters? Snoozefest, I thought. At first, I struggled to follow who was who, and I found the main character, Sybil, sanctimonious and uptight. But then something unexpected happened. As the letters unfolded, Sybil became more complex — and I started to feel real compassion for her. Suddenly, I couldn’t put the book down.
I winced, snickered, celebrated, even got choked up. By the end, I was rooting for Sybil and admiring the way her life unfolded well into her later years. And when we came together to discuss the book? It was one of the liveliest conversations we’ve had in years — the kind that could have gone on all night. We all agreed: this was one of the best choices our club has made in a long time.
Q & A on The Correspondant by Virginia Evans
Did you judge the book by its cover (be honest!)? Of course I did! What a beautiful cover!
Describe this book in three words — no cheating. Infuriating,compelling,heart wrenching
What hooked you most: the story, the writing style, or the characters? Initially it was the writing format-a novel completely told through written letters? I wasn't sure I would enjoy it, but I found it fascinating that a woman conducted most of her personal relationships through the written word and not in person . That hooked me, as well as the story unfolding and watching the main character, Sybil, uncover new facets of herself even at the "winter" season of her life.
If this book were a cocktail (or mocktail), what would it be? An Old-Fashioned, of course!
Would you read it again, or was once enough? Yes, I would reread it again but not for another year or so. Then it would be like opening a gift!
If the book had a soundtrack, what three songs would be on it? Four Seasons by Vivaldi, Beautiful Boy by John Lennon, Changes by David Bowie
Movie adaptation: dream casting? Sybil- Helen Mirren/Rosalie-Annette Bening/Mick-Pierce Brosnan/Theodore-James Cromwell/Harry-Jacob Tremblay/Felix-Victor Garber/Fiona-Jennifer Garner
Was this a curl-up-with-a-blanket read, or a stay-up-way-too-late read? I usually read in our library/den which overlooks a garden terrace and enjoyed reading by curled up and cozy by the fireplace.
Who should absolutely read this book? Any woman over the age of 60, who actually remembers learning how to write cursive in school,who wrote letters to penpals or actual thank you notes .
On a scale of 'meh' to 'must-read,' where does *The Correspondent* land? A must read, in my book(pun intended!) I cannot remember the last time I was so charmed by a book. The last 1/4 of the book I read with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, which is highly unusual for me .
Have you read The Correspondent, would love to hear your thoughts. Or tell us what you’re reading.