The Correspondent

When the book begins, Sybil is 72 years old. In the “winter of her life”, retired from her prestigious career as a law clerk, she finally has more time to write. Divorced for many years with two grown children, Sybil still mourns the tragic loss of her third child in an accident many years ago. Her letters keep her connected to family and friends, offer compliments to authors, and occasionally harass newspaper editors. A reader, writer, and lifelong letter writer, Sybil is often cantankerous, but her heart is as big as the sun. Though painfully honest and outwardly content, a certain loneliness subtly lingers since retirement, casting a shadow over even her sunniest days. When Sybil learns that she is going blind due to an untreatable eye condition, the future feels uncertain, and she seeks forgiveness for memories that have never faded. As we delve into Sybil's life and her many correspondences, her story unfurls through the lens of her loved ones, books, and even a touch of unexpected romance. Told through letters, the narrative is refreshingly unique, and we are quickly drawn into the lives of these wonderfully complex characters. A heartwarming and easy read, this novel serves as a gentle reminder to stop and smell the roses. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐