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lizswartz's review
3.75
i read this based on the effusive praise from several trusted bookworms. and while i did enjoy most of these stories (minus the first one), i’m not sure if i get the extreme praise. evans has a penchant for shock. she manages to pull the story in a gasp-inducing direction with just one sentence. the stories all deal with race and most with grief. i think that this is a collection that will grow on me as i sit with it. the novella is obviously the strongest story but i also enjoyed boys go to jupiter and anything could disappear.
co2lreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The short stories of The Office of Historical Correction tackle relationships of all sorts in different ways. Relationships between mothers and daughters, friends, enemies, amd lovers are all examined with expert emotional precision by Danielle Evans, but are second to the examination of America's relationship with Blackness. Each story in this collection gives a complicated snippet of a life and they're all beautiful and thought provoking.
jencunn2024's review against another edition
5.0
In reality, this is about a 4.75 but it’s the best anthology I’ve read in quite some time so I’m showing the five stars in the graphic. I have had her first collection on my WTR for a while but still haven’t read it. The Office of Historical Collections just reprioritized my list. I want to read more of her work and soon.
All 6 short stories and the title-bearing novella are outstanding pieces of writing tied together by themes of friendship, racism, love, grief, empathy, history, desperation, and uncovering the truth. Each story stands on its own merit. While not quite perfection, Evans’ storytelling is smart and gorgeous as it weaves together layers of characters, backstory and plot. I didn’t feel obligated to love or like every character or even every protagonist. But, I did, with all of their flaws. Evans does a good job of developing both plot and character in a narrow and concise space.
There were several I was unsure about as they began, but her plot-blending and wrap-ups left me with a memorable impression by story’s end each and every time.
The novella is the only slow burn and it is exactly that. It is built on grievances and a touch of mystery, and you go on a journey with her protagonist that is simultaneously expected and unexpected. This one builds slowly compared to the other stories in the book.
My main negative critique is that I think a different order may have been more appealing to readers, but I didn’t mind that overall as I got further along.
My rating for each story would be:
Happily Ever After - 5*
Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain - 4.5*
Boys Go To Jupiter -5*
Alcatraz -4.5*
Why Won’t Women Just Say What They Want -5*
Anything Could Disappear -5*
The Office of Historical Corrections -5*
All 6 short stories and the title-bearing novella are outstanding pieces of writing tied together by themes of friendship, racism, love, grief, empathy, history, desperation, and uncovering the truth. Each story stands on its own merit. While not quite perfection, Evans’ storytelling is smart and gorgeous as it weaves together layers of characters, backstory and plot. I didn’t feel obligated to love or like every character or even every protagonist. But, I did, with all of their flaws. Evans does a good job of developing both plot and character in a narrow and concise space.
There were several I was unsure about as they began, but her plot-blending and wrap-ups left me with a memorable impression by story’s end each and every time.
The novella is the only slow burn and it is exactly that. It is built on grievances and a touch of mystery, and you go on a journey with her protagonist that is simultaneously expected and unexpected. This one builds slowly compared to the other stories in the book.
My main negative critique is that I think a different order may have been more appealing to readers, but I didn’t mind that overall as I got further along.
My rating for each story would be:
Happily Ever After - 5*
Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain - 4.5*
Boys Go To Jupiter -5*
Alcatraz -4.5*
Why Won’t Women Just Say What They Want -5*
Anything Could Disappear -5*
The Office of Historical Corrections -5*
intrepidthespian's review
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.75
WOW! what an amazing series of short stories culminating with its best. i can’t remember the last time i read a short story and this was such a great way to dive back in. evans is such a talent.
allie8973's review against another edition
It was good. But I hate short stories because they bring you in and you want more and then it's over. Which is the point but I don't like it lol. But if you liked short stories then this was very good cause it was always very interesting and emotional
nopejustkate's review
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
norinori's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0