Clean
Alia Trabucco Zerán author Sophie Hughes translator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:6th Jun '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£9.99(9780008607975)
A compelling literary thriller unfolds through the eyes of Estela, a maid in a wealthy household. As she recounts her life, themes of class, violence, and political change emerge, leading to a shocking revelation.
"Clean" is a gripping literary thriller by the International Booker Prize-shortlisted author of "The Remainder." The story opens with a stark reality: a girl has died. The narrative is delivered through the perspective of Estela, a maid working for a wealthy middle-class family, who shares her experiences from within a locked room. As she recounts her daily life, the seemingly simple existence she leads begins to unravel, raising questions about her circumstances and the events that might lead to a tragic outcome.
Set against the backdrop of Chile's evolving political landscape, "Clean" delves into themes of domestic work, class disparity, and violence. Estela's story is both disturbing and profound, capturing the complexities of her life as she navigates the challenges of her role within the household. The tension builds as readers are drawn into her world, where the line between survival and desperation becomes increasingly blurred.
Critics have praised "Clean" for its intense power and compelling narrative. Described as a "masterclass in suspense," the novel invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths while offering a chilling examination of societal issues. With its beautifully crafted prose and thought-provoking themes, "Clean" stands out as one of the most daring thrillers in contemporary literature, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.
‘[A] devilishly well-paced thriller… deftly entwined with reflections on class and oppression’ New Yorker
‘Extraordinary … an intense novel about class and power and the kind of deep down rot that lingers, despite the most vigorous scrubbing’ NPR Fresh Air
‘A spellbinding nightmare … A biting, addictive portrait of the rot ‘good families’ conceal’ Fernanda Melchor, author of Hurricane Season
'Rich and compelling…Uncomfortable and provocative' Financial Times
‘Compelling, claustrophobic and irresistible … a masterclass in suspense and a clear-eyed portrait of isolation and grief’ Paula Hawkins, author of Blind Spot
‘A book of intense power’ Philippe Sands, author of The Last Colony
'Compelling … with a tightly coiled power' Pandora Sykes, author of How Do We Know We're Doing it Right?
‘This unnerving Chilean literary thriller cuts like a knife… Trabucco is a rising star’ The Bookseller
‘Zerán is a powerhouse … explosive and exhilarating’ Katie Kitamura, author of Intimacies
‘A strong narrative energy drives the novel to its conclusion, by which time the atmosphere is so full of dread you could weigh it’ Guardian
'Disturbing and commanding … [a] gripping intimate story' Laline Paull, author of Pod
‘A remarkable, gripping exploration of the dynamics of class, agency and culpability’ Sarah Bernstein, author of Study for Obedience
'Brutal, beautiful, feverishly propulsive’ Jenny Mustard, author of Okay Days
‘A white-knuckle ride that kept me gripped from the very first page … I hardly paused for breath’ Alice Slater, author of Death of a Bookseller
'A unique, chilling read' Press Association
‘Buzzing with tension, crime and menacingly complex class divisions’ Holly Pester, author of The Lodgers
‘A novel of disturbing intensity and startling clarity’ Helen Charman, author of Mother State
‘Pacy yet vivid’ Jen Calleja, author of Vehicle
‘A hypnotic and coldly, powerfully precise novel’ Marina Kemp, author of The Unwilding
ISBN: 9780008607937
Dimensions: 222mm x 141mm x 28mm
Weight: 380g
272 pages