The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans

Book Review

I've heard nothing but praise for this collection of short stories since it’s publication last winter!

When this book first popped up on my radar, I assumed it was nonfiction; however, it is actually a work of fiction. Nevertheless, each of the stories included in the book explores very real issues concerning culture, race and US history. Each story centers around a Black or multiracial woman and the daily challenges they face.

While each of the stories spoke to me in some way, my two favorites were “Boys Go to Jupiter” and “Anything Could Disappear.” I could have read a full-length novel about the characters and events of both these stories. In “Boys Go to Jupiter,” we’re introduced to a white university student who is photographed wearing a confederate flag bikini. After her Black neighbor feels threatened and reposts the photo, it goes viral and inspires a slew of both supportive and inflammatory responses. In “Anything Could Disappear,” a multiracial woman, named Vera, journeys to New York City in search of a new life. On the final leg of her long bus trip, Vera is seated next to a young brown-skinned boy. When the boy’s mother disappears before the bus reaches its final destination, Vera takes the boy home with her and treats him like her own.

The last last story in the collection, a novella giving the book it’s namesake, features a Black scholar who works for the Institute for Public History in Washington D.C and takes it upon herself to solve a racially-charged historical mystery - one that threatens to jeopardize both her career and the safety of her and her oldest friend.

Admittedly, I found some stories more memorable than others. However, each story offers a unique and/or thoughtful perspective on American culture and shines a light on the racial inequity apparent in nearly every aspect of our society.

If you’re a fan of short stories or in search of a discussion-worthy book club selection, I highly recommend this one! It will give you plenty to think about/discuss.

TW: Racism, gun violence, cancer, grief, death, hate crime

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Are you a fan of short stories??