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lectora21's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Hate crime, Drug use, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual content and Sexism
unsuccessfulbookclub's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This collection is amazing.
Danielle Evans is a force, a talent, a gifted writer, a freaking prose deity, all of the superlatives. Every story in this collection is detailed, gripping, and emotionally charged but also incredibly pedestrian - on the surface.
Some standouts for me:
- Boys Go To Jupiter: in which a phenomenally self-absorbed white girl goes to great lengths to justify her blatant racism. I have never felt more uncomfortable while reading a story, in the best way.
- Why Won’t Women Just Say What They Want: in which an artist disappears for years only to reinsert himself in the public consciousness via extremely public and elaborate apologies. Everything about this one is perfect.
- Anything Could Disappear: in which a young woman unintentionally kidnaps a toddler.
- The Office of Historical Corrections: a novella that is simultaneously deep commentary on history and historians, racial justice, Black womanhood, the federal government, gentrification and white supremacy and also a really interesting near-future story about a woman doing her (boring) job.
👍🏻Recommended for fans of short stories and contemporary fiction. If you liked Milk, Blood, Heat by Dantiel Moniz or Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw, you will enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Chronic illness, Violence, Sexism, Murder, Car accident, Kidnapping, Death, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol, Adult/minor relationship, and Racial slurs
thecriticalreader's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
As a history major, the title of this book piqued my interest. I didn’t realize it was a collection of short stories + a novella until after I purchased it.
Plot:
N/A
Characters:
All of Evans’ characters seem rather blank, as though they are floating through life passively. I think this was on purpose, and it is rather unsettling. None of them asked to be born into the messed-up world in which they live, but the past haunts them nonetheless.
Setting:
N/A
Themes:
Evans explores themes of loss, racism, and (obviously) history/the past. Her commentary is subtle but powerful. Every story is filled with pain.
Writing Style:
Evans is an excellent writer. I don’t really know how to describe it. Her style isn’t particularly distinctive, but it flows well and allows for the themes to seep through. She certainly comes up with creative ideas for her stories.
Conclusion:
The Office of Historical Corrections is well-written and powerful. Unfortunately, I did not give it the time it deserved simply because I didn’t want to spend my time with something so sad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Terminal illness, Murder, Infidelity, and Drug use
Minor: Mass/school shootings
mollyrose's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Death, Drug use, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, and Terminal illness
sarahholliday's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Evans has expertly crafted her stories with a balance that is both convicting and astounding. Though she never lets her characters off the hook, she sketches each with beautiful complexity and compassion. I particularly enjoyed "Boys Go to Jupiter," "Alcatraz," and "Why Won't Women Just Say What They Want."
A sharp and nuanced rendering of the many worlds we inhabit--past, present, and future--and the different ways we experience those worlds based on our race, gender identity, and class.
A sharp and nuanced rendering of the many worlds we inhabit--past, present, and future--and the different ways we experience those worlds based on our race, gender identity, and class.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Racism
Moderate: Drug use, Gun violence, and Sexism
znvisser's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime and Racism
Moderate: Drug use and Gun violence
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