The Office of Historical Corrections | Danielle Evans

The Office of Historical Corrections: A Novella & Stories

Extended Synopsis

In The Office of Historical Corrections, award-winning author Danielle Evans brings her signature blisteringly smart voice and X-ray insights to the subjects of race, grief, apology, and American history. Zooming in on particular moments and relationships, Evans introduces Black and multiracial characters navigating the universal confusions of lust and love while being walloped by grief. The collection explores how history personally and collectively haunts us, featuring standout pieces like "Boys Go to Jupiter," where a white college student reckons with a viral photo, and the eye-opening title novella, which follows a Black scholar from Washington, D.C., drawn into a complex historical mystery spanning generations. Ultimately, Evans provokes a necessary contemplation on the truths of American history, asking who gets to tell them and examining the true cost of setting the record straight.

Target Audience & Reader Targeting

Perfect for readers of contemporary literary fiction, profound short story collections, and nuanced cultural critiques. This collection directly targets those who appreciate character-driven narratives that deeply investigate complex human relationships, systemic racism, historical accountability, and the intersection of personal and collective grief.

Author Biography

Danielle Evans is an acclaimed American fiction writer whose debut collection, Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self, established her as a vital voice in contemporary literature. Widely praised for her sharp insights into complex human relationships, Evans has been lauded by literary peers, including Roxane Gay, as "the finest short story writer working today." Her meticulously crafted narratives continually explore the multifaceted experiences of Black Americans and the enduring weight of history.

Accolades & Awards

• Winner of the 2021 Joyce Carol Oates Prize.
• Finalist for The Story Prize, the L.A. Times Book Prize, the Aspen Words Literary Prize, and the Chautauqua Prize.
• Named a Best Book of 2020 by O Magazine, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Real Simple, The Guardian, and more.
• Praised by The New Yorker for delivering "sublime short stories of race, grief, and belonging."

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