I’m not sure what I could say about this novel that hasn’t already been said. It is a beautiful meditation on life through letters written and received- mostly during the last 9 years of Sybil’s life. It is a novel that explores how the pain of loss keeps us from moving forward with our lives and so it is only fitting that one of Sybil’s correspondents is Joan Didion as they muse on how to keep living after those you love best are gone. But while Sybil is harsh to those close to her – holding them to the same exacting standards she does herself, her softness and thoughtfulness comes out in her exchanges with local teenagers, online service people, and her expat brother. Over the course of the years, Sybil grows, rethinks her positions and in mulling over the past forgives herself and others. It is remarkable to see her voice change as the letters go on and she finds family, love and a sense of
The actors truly gave nuanced and distinctive performances. I knew who each letter was from by the voice actor and could hear Sybil’s softening. The first moment I cried was when the Dean at UMD sent her the letter describing her summer and thanking her for her friendship. It reminded me how there are so many surprises waiting for us if we are open to them and don’t lead with fear.