by: Virginia Evans
Goodreads Description:
Throughout her life Sybil Van Antwerp has 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, divorcée, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a 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 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.
Helen says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓 1/2
This novel was very original… a series of letters…the term for it is epistolary (according to my friend Jean). Do yourself a favor and listen to this on Audible. It was the best audiobook I have ever listened to…I loved it immensely. Sybil Van Antwerp is kind of a blow hard, but endearing. She grows on you! She reminds me of the character, Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine in Terms of Endearment)…especially with her suitors. This was so fantastic…it just got better and better…my favorite book of 2025 (so far).
Holly says: 🤓🤓🤓🤓1/2
What a lovely book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one – a life’s journey told through letters. Ironically, this novel, which really does celebrate letter-writing and the written word is just as pleasing and enjoyable on Audible. I was burning up I-40 last week and listened to quite a few hours on the road. The readers on the audiobook were fantastic! If you’re looking for action, this isn’t it, but as far as a poignant and moving story beautifully written, this IS it! Because it is told through letters, this book reminded me a little of The Guernsey and Literary Potato Peel Society. Read both of them if you haven’t already. Virginia Evans lives in Winston-Salem – I think that N.C. is really becoming the “author state” – we are so lucky!
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 