Geneva’s One Book, One Community features ‘The Correspondent’

Novelist Virginia Evans’ book “The Correspondent” is the choice for this year’s One Book, One Community program in Geneva.

The novel tells the story of Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired lawyer in her 70s who reflects on her life through letters and emails.

“It’s a novel about human connection told through letters sent across time and distance to remind us how powerful words can be,” Geneva Public Library Director Christine Lazaris.

“At its heart, the book explores relationships, empathy and what it means to truly hear one another — which are values that reflect Geneva at its best.”

Lazaris presented copies to Geneva officials at the Feb. 2 city council meeting.

“We would like to invite all of you to take part in this fifth annual One Book, One Community program, as an open invitation to you and all Geneva residents to take part in this shared discussion,” Lazaris said. “When we began this program … we just wanted to bring our community together to read the same book and start a conversation together.”

With the world as divisive as it is, Lazaris said it is important to bring people together in a shared dialogue, with many voices responding to the same story.

The library gave away 750 free copies of the book, but the novel is also available for digital checkout and in large print.

The community is also welcome to participate in an art show with work to be displayed through the end of April, she said.

“You get your own little tiny canvas to paint or whatever your medium is that you choose and have it displayed as part of the show,” Lazaris said. “This year’s show is called ‘Dear Geneva.’ And it will include the work of 50 local artists from elementary-age students to professional artists.”

The library will host an artist reception at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, Lazaris said.

A community-wide book discussion is scheduled from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, with questions available in advance in the program guide, she said.

Evans, the author, will visit the library for the closing celebration from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19.

More information about events tied to One Book, One Community is available on the library’s website at gpld.org.