THE CORRESPONDENT-An Epistolary novel that's Appealing and Character Revealing

I've read two previous, epistolary works, the 1970 epistolary memoir, "84, Charing Cross Road" by Helene Hanff and the novel "A Woman of Independent Means" (1978) by Elizabeth Hailey.  Both these books were more engaging than Virginia Evan's 2025 novel; all three written in an epistolatory format.  At issue with with Evan's use of solely written correspondences, is it become laden and gimmicky.  The central character, Sybil Van Antwerp, is a divorced mother of two adult children; a second son died at a young age.  Sybil prefers communication free of direct dialogue; i.e., in written format.  The name Sybil' Van Twerp is meant as a seemingly quick-witted play on anti-twerp.  Sybil confirms her outsider nature, superior intelligence and a vastly-held favorite pastime; letter writing. "Perhaps I ought to call you, but I am better with the pen and the paper. It gives me time to consider things as they come onto the page rather than simply prattling on and on without tripping over my spoken words." she reiterates often in her letters.  Therein lies a foible making the story less enjoyable,  Sybil's  hubris is off-putting to the point you need  to push her letters aside.  Liking the main character isn't au rigor fir a story to be engaging, but the written format's focus puts too much exertion into presenting precisely into Sybil's mindset that it feels  burdensome.  "It has always been my. nature to see things in black and white, as you well know. I like rules. I relish living in a world that runs on laws and systems that are quite clear and declared."  In ("84, Charing...) there are only two correspondents, one seeking arcane info on books.  A warm friendship  builds organically crafting a straightforward and enchanting tale.  "Correspondent" imprints so many characters and storylines the emotional core becomes blurred.  "A Woman of..." life unfolds over an extended period of time and we empathize with our heroine as she matures and reckons with life.  Sybil's past is uncovered but the focus is on Sybil in her 70 and going blind is clearly set with obdurate, insufferable traits.  A chastising letter received by Sybil from her longtime friend read, "You are a wonderful, interesting woman,...but you are also damn stubborn and determined you know exactly what is right in every situation."  It's apparent Sybil is a bibliophile as well as an epistolist. A majority of the letters make mention books and authors.  Evans' novel makes a legitimate case for a resurgence into the lost art of letter writing.  Sybil finds strength and solace in letter, "...to think that a story of one's life is preserved in some way, that this very letter may one day mean something, even if it is a very small thing, to someone." {Furthermore} "I believe one ought to be precious with communication. Remember: words, especially those written, are immortal."  Scrutinizing Sybil's letters intimately depict her,  but ultimately left me in the dark.