A Manual for Cleaning Women

by Lucia Berlin isn’t just about physical cleaning—it’s about the removal of emotional burdens, regrets, and the layers of everyday life. Each story scrubs at the surface of working-class existence, revealing raw humanity underneath. Berlin masterfully blends literal cleaning with the metaphorical: every mop stroke or wiped countertop becomes a gesture toward healing or escape. A stunning collection where cleaning is never just about hygiene—it’s about survival.