When I was a lot younger, I could disappear into books; or, alternatively, books could make the world disappear—the root of my love of literature. I had assumed I had lost that ability. Maybe literature has changed (or my tastes have; could it have been a genre thing?), or perhaps the world has changed. That old-fashioned feeling came all the way back while I was reading this collection.

Oliver is a stunningly assured writer. A lot of my marginalia is marvelling at how she is able to write from different points of view—mostly different women, and this is perhaps a (proto?)feminist collection, but also, very memorably, from the perspective of a young Black child viewing an old white woman and neighbour in When the Apples are Ripe. There’s a lot about Black life and the civil rights movement in here, from many perspectives: the small child burdened by the weight of integration in Neighbors; a young woman who disappears because her civil rights-minded father is challenging the system through her in The Closet on the Top Floor. The young adults who stage a sit-in at terrible personal cost (they’re still children, really!) in Before Twilight.

I found the incredibly chilling, spooky Mint Juleps Not Served Here, my favourite story of the collection, delicious, and savoured it for a while. Then there’s the experimental Frozen Voices, which has to be read to be believed; it has the rhythm of spoken-word poetry. The linked stories, Health Service and Traffic Jam pack a ferocious punch together (and are perfectly spaced out in the collection). Another favourite, Banago Kalt, where a young Black woman spends time in Switzerland, away from her civil rights organising, and has time to think about the concept of home. And, finally, the mixed couple of Spiders Cry Without Tears, from a very unexpected angle, that of the white wife.

There is so much that is thoughtful here, so much care. Oliver has a light touch with very heavy issues, but that doesn’t mean she spares the reader. This collection is about the struggles of Black people and the struggles of women, told from the most human perspective—not as sermonizing, but as story.

One of the best collections I have ever read. Oliver is certainly deserving of her place in the Black canon. Thank you to NetGalley and to Grove Atlantic!

4/5! Going into this collection, I didn't know much about its content. I was surprised to learn that it was written such a long time ago because, despite the events in the book, the writing feels quite modern and is overall easy to read. I enjoyed this collection and think it offers a unique perspective and insight because of when it was written. I honestly think this is a book that everyone should pick up!

This is a reprint of a 1960s era collection of short stories written by a young author whose career (and life) was cut short due to unfortunate circumstances. Times were challenging and turbulent and the author captured the African American experience when facing school integration, interracial dating, the battle against second-class citizenship, and many of the macro- and microaggressions that marginalized groups and those adjacent to them faced on a daily basis. This is a solid offering steeped in reality and the struggles in humanity.

Thanks to the publisher, Grove Press, and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.

3.5. I was extremely interested in this story because of learning of the authors short life. I did enjoy these stories but my only gripe was the ending to all of them. It was as if I was caught off immediately when something big was about to happen which was frustrating. IT was frustrating because I wanted something more and I felt that I was teased.

Although this will never happen I wish more stories could be given by this author...

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC! This was such a whirlwind collection of short stories — incredibly sharp, some thrilling, and overall ahead of its time. With this collection being published posthumously, it's saddening knowledge that Oliver passed at such a young age; her writing is genuinely so unforgettable and deserving of a position at the forefront of literary works.

Finishing this short story collection and realizing Diane Oliver was only 22 when she died was absolutely mind-blowing. So much range, so much deeply human understanding, so much variety, what a shame this much talent left the world so young.

Usually when reading a book of short stories I get the gist at some point and the writing style sort of blends one into the other but here? Each title had me sit up and get excited because they were all so captivating and different.

My favorites were The Closet on the Top Floor, Mint Juleps not Served Here, Banago Kalt, Our Trip to the Nature Museum, and I especially loved Health Service and Traffic Jam. Libby’s character made me crumble. I remember a scene in Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi where one of the character’s mother has no access to childcare so she leaves her toddler alone all day while she works and he cries himself to sleep on a mattress on the floor. I felt the same reading about Libby going to work and having to leave her baby on the porch so the lady watching him can bring him in later. I felt the same listening to They were her Property and the way enslaved Black women were expected to work immediately after giving birth. And I felt the same recently seeing the degrading responses to that photo of a young Black woman holding her child on her hip while working behind some fast food counter. Sick and mad.

The Closet on the Top Floor and Mint Juleps not Served Here really stood out for me for their style and just impeccable pace and tone.

Sadly, Frozen Voices was pretty long and just didn’t work for me, hence the 4.5 rating. Otherwise, beautiful collection that I warmly recommend and thank you to Grove for giving me this advance copy.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about this story collection is that it feels as though it could have been written today. Each story feels as alive and vital as it must have when it was first written. And despite how young Diane Oliver was when she wrote them, the tone is masterfully rendered--giving the reader a sense of deep dread and unease as they read through this collection. While the stories don't all fit together spectacularly well, I am deeply appreciative that they were collected so Diane Oliver can get the respect she deserves from readers. Her talent shines on every page, making the fact that we lost her at a young age all the more tragic.

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories as well as the introduction by Tayari Jones, and I applaud the publisher for bringing us this title posthumously.

Diane Oliver had such insight into what it means to be human. She also addressed the issue of race in a truly remarkable way. I especially enjoyed the title story about integration. The characters' emotions ring so true, and the tension keeps us turning the pages.

I also admired other stories in the collection, some more than others, but there is such wisdom here and social commentary combined with, as I mentioned above, insight into human nature. Oliver's characters quickly seem like real people.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance ARC; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

This was an amazing read. Released posthumously, this short story collection was remarkable in capturing what it means to be human. Diane Oliver was raw in her stories and didn’t shy away from highlighting the Black experience, even with its harsh truths. I can’t wait to get this book in store and get into people’s hands, because everyone needs to read this!

“Neighbors and Other Stories" by Diane Oliver is a captivating collection of short stories that unveils the complexities of human connections through a series of rich and diverse narratives. Oliver's storytelling prowess shines as she skillfully delves into the lives of characters, each facing their own unique challenges and triumphs. The stories are a testament to the author's keen observation of human nature and her ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking tales. From poignant moments to unexpected twists, the collection offers a range of emotions that resonate with readers. "Neighbors and Other Stories" is a literary gem, showcasing Oliver's ability to capture the intricacies of everyday life, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate well-crafted short fiction.

This is a wonderful choice for Black History Month, and for any time really.
Talented African-American writer Diane Oliver's posthumous collection of short stories is a literary gem that reveals her undeniable mastery despite her early departure in 1966 at the tender age of 22. Published after her death, these stories are striking in their narrative maturity, suggesting a talent that transcends the barriers of time.
The highlight of this compilation is the captivating character development that Oliver manages to capture in each story. His protagonists, palpable and authentic, become emotional anchors that guide us through the complexities of the themes explored. In particular, the way he deals with racial integration in the 1950s and 1960s is evident in stories such as "Neighbors".
This first story immerses the reader in the concerns of a mother facing the anguish of sending her son to an all-white school, where he will be the only black child. This mother's doubts and fears resonate deeply, establishing an emotional bond that lasts throughout the collection.
Oliver, despite his short life, manages to capture the essence of what it means to be a pioneer in historic moments, exploring the loneliness that accompanies those who fight for the rights of a collective. Each story is a window into human complexity and the struggle for acceptance in an ever-changing world.
Ultimately, this collection of short stories is a tribute to Diane Oliver's innate ability to weave poignant and thoughtful narratives. Her legacy lives on through these pages, reminding us of the importance of exploring the deeper layers of the human condition."
Many thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing me with a digital copy of this work for review.

Ésta es una magnífica elección para celebrar Black History Month, y para cualquier momento en realidad.
La colección de cuentos póstumos de la talentosa escritora afroamericana Diane Oliver es una joya literaria que revela su innegable maestría a pesar de su partida temprana en 1966 a la corta edad de 22 años. Publicados después de su fallecimiento, estos relatos sorprenden por su madurez narrativa, sugiriendo un talento que trasciende las barreras del tiempo.
Lo más destacado de esta compilación es el cautivador desarrollo de personajes que Oliver logra plasmar en cada historia. Sus protagonistas, palpables y auténticos, se convierten en anclas emocionales que nos guían a través de las complejidades de los temas explorados. En particular, la manera en que aborda la integración racial en las décadas de los 50 y 60 se manifiesta en relatos como "Neighbors".
Esta primera historia sumerge al lector en las inquietudes de una madre enfrentando la angustia de enviar a su hijo a una escuela de blancos, donde será el único niño negro. Las dudas y temores de esta madre resuenan profundamente, estableciendo un vínculo emocional que perdura a lo largo de toda la colección.
Oliver, a pesar de su corta vida, logra capturar la esencia de lo que significa ser pionero en momentos históricos, explorando la soledad que acompaña a aquellos que luchan por los derechos de un colectivo. Cada relato es una ventana a la complejidad humana y a la lucha por la aceptación en un mundo en constante cambio.
En definitiva, esta colección de cuentos es un tributo a la habilidad innata de Diane Oliver para tejer narrativas conmovedoras y reflexivas. Su legado perdura a través de estas páginas, recordándonos la importancia de explorar las capas más profundas de la condición humana."
Muchas gracias a NetGalley y a Grove Atlantic por facilitarme una copia digital de esta obra para su reseña.

Neighbors and Other Stories is a soul-stirring collection of black perspectives amidst Jim Crow and the era of desegregation. From diaristic recollections to gripping literary narratives that walk the line of horror, Oliver's greatest strength lies in her ability to evoke an unwavering tension even in the most mundane circumstances.

''Mint Juleps Not Served Here' was a standout- the striking tonal shift in its final pages was reminiscent of Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery'. The titular story 'Neighbors' also stood out as an insightful reimagining of a familiar narrative (familiar, at least, to those with a foundational understanding of African-American history). Rarely have we seen such an experience from the lens of a viewer- a sibling- and through this choice Oliver showcases how these cultural milestones affect far more than the chosen few set to achieve them.

All in all, an affecting selection from an incredible talent. I'd definitely recommend this book, especially to any aspiring black writers. As a young black writer in my early twenties - the same age as Diane Oliver when these stories were written - I'm both stunned and inspired by the work showcased here.

a gorgeous set of short stories discussing the lives of african american people.there are two tales discussing children and integration of schools, other tales discussing parental figures, others discussing societal racism.... all of them are exquisitely done and capture unique detail. would recommend. thanks for the arc.

4.5

This collection of posthumously published short stories has a delightful introduction by Tayari Jones. I thought if Tayari Jones rates it and I rate Tayari Jones as a storyteller then it's bound to be good. Instincts are spot on.

Quite a lot of the stories deal with race issues but by no means all. What strikes me reading this is how accurately Diane Oliver wrote human nature. Her characters are wholly believable.

Of course you'll have your favourites and I have mine. The title story, Neighbours (I'm English, forgive me the spelling) is a piece of work that feels like a story I've always wanted to read. It centres around a family whose very young son is due to attend his first day at an integrated school. He will be the first black boy to do so. Of course there is uproar on both sides of the fence but this story deals with the parents and older sister's feelings as the night wears on. It asks the question: if it is imperative that someone be first, should it be a very young boy who will suffer the most awful abuse? The story really hypes up the tension that any family going through this must have felt.

Other stories deal with families and step-families, fitting in, friendship, the civil rights movement, fractured love between all variety of people.

My absolute favourite is one of those stories that floor you at the conclusion and was published before Oliver's death. Mint Juleps Not Served Here felt like it might have been written by Shirley Jackson. Although, I confess, I almost cheered at the denouement. (Read it, you'll see what I mean).

I knocked a half star off because there was one quite long story, the style of which I didn't get on with at all. Otherwise it was a fascinating read.

Highly recommended.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Grove Press for the advance review copy.

Really loved this collection of short stories especially after finishing Out There Screaming. The short stories in this collection really run the range of slice of life to borderline Black horror and I loved every minute of it. So many of these stories left my mouth open in shock and had me re-reading just to get more. Diane really can make the mundane so eerie! Great book and can't wait to put it on my shelf

I was browsing NetGalley when I came across this novel. I was in a reading slump and was hoping to find something that kept my attention. I read the blurb for this one and was intrigued by the slight spooky description of some of the stories. Be warned that this is not a horror anthology or story collection although maybe two stories capture that vibe.
This collection of stories was written by Diane Oliver- an author I wasn’t familiar with possibly because she passed away early into her career and left behind this unfinished work. The introduction by Tayari Jones compared Miss Oliver to Toni Morrison and a few other great authors from the time period which interested me even more. I appreciated the supplemental information included in the introduction that helped paint the backdrop for the stories told. My only complaint is that the introduction spoiled a few of the stories.
As a fan of historical fiction and especially historical fiction focusing on POC’s I found so many of the stories relatable. As a black woman born and raised in the Deep South I was able to see the similarities of some of my ancestors in the characters. There are so many examples of the everyday plight of these people in each story and they showcase different walks of life. I found myself relating to a very similar situation as the main character in Closet on the Top Floor. This story is not horror, but there is a haunting feel to it, definitely more of a psychological story. Speaking of horror, No Mint Juleps Served Here was great. Not what I expected at all but 10/10 eerie story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. There were a few stories that didn’t grab me but the ones that did definitely out way that. If you like collections or anthologies- especially focusing on specific time periods I would say give this one a go!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you Net Galley for an ARC of this short story collection!

I found these stories by Diane Oliver eye-opening, and put personal stories in connection with major historical moments in the Jim Crow era. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand the struggles African Americans went through during this period. Even though the stories are fictional they bring in such a human element to topics that are usually talked about on a larger scale. This could be a great book for high school students leaning about Jim Crow laws and the implications they had.

I hadn’t heard of Diane Oliver before finding this book on Netgalley. She published only a few short stories in her short life, as she died age 22 in 1966, in a car accident. So this collection, to be published next year, is her one and only. You can only take a guess at the writer she could have become, but I’m quite sure she would have been famous. All of these 14 stories portray in various perspectives the life of African American people in the early 1960s and the impact of racism.

The title story opens with the heart-wrenching decision by one family to send – or not- their small boy in a desegregated school the next day. It’s easy to say yes on principles, but it means your own kid and your own house being under attack, then many families and neighbors just back out.

The next story shows the flip side of the first story and the cost of being the first Black student in an integrated school: a young woman whose parents have pushed into schools and programs despite the pervasive racism, and we see her slow mental breakdown as girls around her exclude her and treat her with cruelty.

Other stories tell of going north, of Black women working as maids for white families, of interracial relations, of poverty and trauma, of experimenting racism even when far from the United States. One story was more experimental (Frozen Voices) and another explored the genre of horror. The introduction by Tayari Jones was excellent and added a lot of perspective to the reading. I’m both glad that I discovered this author and sad that there aren’t any more stories by her after this book.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book for review consideration

I absolutely love this book. Some of it was hard to read, because I felt the pain of being a black person in America with having a struggle in life because of race . But it was a good variety of stories. Some of them were very moving. A few of them I didn’t think I could finish because I was so scared of the ending, but I was pleasantly surprised. I would recommend this book as a teaching book, and because it was so well written. I can imagine myself there in the story.

These stories are bold and some will take your breath away. A great story collection. I can't wait to read what Diane writes next.