A Manual for Cleaning Women

'A Manual for Cleaning Women' is a captivating collection of stories that delve into the raw, honest lives of women navigating the struggles of everyday existence. Lucia Berlin brilliantly captures the essence of grit and grace through her vivid and relatable characters, each with their own unique journey. From a cleaning woman in the gritty neighborhoods of San Francisco to her reflections on addiction, motherhood, and creativity, these tales resonate with authenticity. Berlin’s prose is both sharp and lyrical, making the mundane feel extraordinary. This book invites readers to explore the beauty found in the chaos of life—will you uncover the secrets hidden within?

By Lucia Berlin

Published: 2016

""I can’t trust people who don’t drink. I can’t trust people who don’t write.""

A Manual for Cleaning WomenBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

A Manual for Cleaning Women compiles the best work of the legendary short-story writer Lucia Berlin. With the grit of Raymond Carver, the humor of Grace Paley, and a blend of wit and melancholy all her own, Berlin crafts miracles from the everyday, uncovering moments of grace in the Laundromats and halfway houses of the American Southwest, in the homes of the Bay Area upper class, among switchboard operators and struggling mothers, hitchhikers and bad Christians. Readers will revel in this remarkable collection from a master of the form and wonder how they'd ever overlooked her in the first place.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from A Manual for Cleaning Women

About the Author

L

Lucia Berlin

Lucia Berlin (1936-2004) was an acclaimed American short story writer celebrated for her poignant, evocative tales that often drew upon her own varied life experiences. Her notable works include 'A Manual for Cleaning Women,' a posthumous collection that showcases her unique blend of humor and pathos, as well as 'Evening in Paradise' and 'The New Yorker' stories, which reflect her remarkable ability to illuminate the everyday struggles of women and marginalized individuals. Berlin's writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose, rich character development, and unflinching honesty, often blending autobiographical elements with fiction to create deeply resonant narratives. After facing years of obscurity, her work has gained significant recognition, establishing her as a prominent voice in contemporary literature.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Lucia Berlin
Published
August 2016
Publisher
Picador USA
ISBN
1250094739
Language
English
Pages
433
Genres
Feminist LiteratureContemporary FictionLiteratureWomen

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Smart Women Finish Rich, Expanded and UpdatedBook binding

Smart Women Finish Rich, Expanded and Updated

David Bach

Women Who Run with the WolvesBook binding

Women Who Run with the Wolves

Clarissa Pinkola Estés Phd

How to Castrate a BullBook binding

How to Castrate a Bull

Dave Hitz

Women, Fire, and Dangerous ThingsBook binding

Women, Fire, and Dangerous Things

George Lakoff

Rocket MenBook binding

Rocket Men

Robert Kurson

Women Who Love Too MuchBook binding

Women Who Love Too Much

Robin Norwood

What Does It Mean to Be Human?Book binding

What Does It Mean to Be Human?

Frederick Franck, Janis Roze, Richard Connolly

Little WomenBook binding

Little Women

Louisa May Alcott

Women in ClothesBook binding

Women in Clothes

Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits, Leanne Shapton

OutBook binding

Out

Natsuo Kirino

In the Company of WomenBook binding

In the Company of Women

Grace Bonney

Blue Is the Warmest ColorBook binding

Blue Is the Warmest Color

Julie Maroh

Three WomenBook binding

Three Women

Lisa Taddeo

No Two Alike: Human Nature and Human IndividualityBook binding

No Two Alike: Human Nature and Human Individuality

Judith Rich Harris

A Room of One's OwnBook binding

A Room of One's Own

Virginia Woolf

Lives of Girls and WomenBook binding

Lives of Girls and Women

Alice Munro

Wheels for the WorldBook binding

Wheels for the World

Douglas Brinkley

Such a Fun AgeBook binding

Such a Fun Age

Kiley Reid

Daily Rituals: Women at WorkBook binding

Daily Rituals: Women at Work

Mason Currey

Girl, Woman, OtherBook binding

Girl, Woman, Other

Bernardine Evaristo

The Search for Modern ChinaBook binding

The Search for Modern China

Jonathan D. Spence

The Third PillarBook binding

The Third Pillar

Raghuram Rajan

The Feminine MystiqueBook binding

The Feminine Mystique

Betty Friedan

Men Explain Things to MeBook binding

Men Explain Things to Me

Rebecca Solnit

My BodyBook binding

My Body

Emily Ratajkowski

The Second SexBook binding

The Second Sex

Simone de Beauvoir

Manufacturing ConsentBook binding

Manufacturing Consent

Edward S. Herman, Noam Chomsky

99% TrueBook binding

99% True

Paul McGowan

WomenBook binding

Women

Chloe Caldwell

The Vagina MonologuesBook binding

The Vagina Monologues

Eve Ensler

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer is an American singer-songwriter, author, and performance artist, best known for her work as a solo artist and as part of the band The Dresden Dolls. Palmer is known for her theatrical performances, genre-blending music, and her strong connection with her fanbase. She has been a pioneer in crowdfunding, raising millions to fund her creative projects through platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon. Palmer is also the author of The Art of Asking, where she explores themes of vulnerability, creativity, and connection. Her work transcends traditional music, blending performance art, activism, and community engagement.

View Collection
Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist, has made significant contributions to the music industry with her soulful voice and compelling lyrics. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," which earned her five Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical achievements, Keys is also a celebrated author; her memoir "More Myself: A Journey" provides an intimate look at her life and career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice, co-founding the Keep a Child Alive organization to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alicia Keys continues to inspire through her artistry and activism, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.

View Collection
Gaby Goldberg's Book Recommendations

Gaby Goldberg's Book Recommendations

Gaby Goldberg is an investor and Web3 advocate, focusing on the intersection of consumer technology, culture, and decentralized finance (DeFi). She works with TCG (The Chernin Group), where she invests in companies that are shaping the future of digital platforms and social communities. Goldberg is passionate about how blockchain technology can empower creators and foster new forms of ownership and collaboration. She is also a vocal advocate for women in tech and frequently shares insights on the future of the internet and decentralized systems. Her work positions her as a key figure in the growing Web3 and crypto ecosystems.

View Collection
Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations

Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations

Audrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.

View Collection
Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.

View Collection
Charlize Theron's Book Recommendations

Charlize Theron's Book Recommendations

Charlize Theron is a South African-American actress, producer, and philanthropist, known for her roles in a wide range of films, from action blockbusters to critically acclaimed dramas. She gained international recognition for her performance in Monster, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Theron’s versatility as an actress is evident in her work in films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, and Bombshell. Beyond acting, she is a producer through her company, Denver and Delilah Productions, and has been involved in various socially conscious films. Theron is also an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality, using her platform to bring attention to issues such as domestic violence and HIV/AIDS through her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Theron continues to push boundaries as one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, often taking on physically demanding roles that challenge traditional gender norms.

View Collection
Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.

View Collection
David Lynch's Book Recommendations

David Lynch's Book Recommendations

David Lynch is an acclaimed American filmmaker, painter, and author, best known for his surreal and enigmatic storytelling. He gained widespread recognition for his films such as "Blue Velvet," "Mulholland Drive," and the cult classic television series "Twin Peaks." Lynch has also contributed to literature with his memoir "Room to Dream," co-written with Kristine McKenna, which provides an in-depth look at his creative process and personal life. His distinctive style, often described as "Lynchian," blends the mundane with the bizarre, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary culture. Beyond filmmaking, Lynch's work in literature and visual arts underscores his multifaceted talent and profound influence on various artistic mediums.

View Collection
Richard Branson's Book Recommendations

Richard Branson's Book Recommendations

Richard Branson is a British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which operates in sectors ranging from airlines to space travel. Branson’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1970s with Virgin Records, and he has since built one of the most recognized brands in the world. Known for his adventurous spirit and willingness to take risks, Branson has pursued innovative ventures like Virgin Galactic, aiming to pioneer commercial space tourism. He is also a philanthropist, focusing on environmental sustainability and global health issues. Branson's bold and unconventional approach to business has made him a global icon of entrepreneurship.

View Collection
Melinda Gates's Book Recommendations

Melinda Gates's Book Recommendations

Melinda Gates is a prominent philanthropist, businesswoman, and author known for her groundbreaking work in global health and education. She co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has become one of the world's largest private charitable organizations. In 2019, she published her acclaimed book "The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World," which explores the transformative power of women's empowerment. Gates is also recognized for her advocacy in promoting gender equality and her efforts to address social issues such as poverty and access to healthcare. Her work has earned her numerous accolades and a prominent place in the discourse on global development and social justice.

View Collection
Claire Diaz-Ortiz's Book Recommendations

Claire Diaz-Ortiz's Book Recommendations

Claire Diaz-Ortiz is a prominent author, speaker, and technology innovator known for her influential work at Twitter, where she played a key role in promoting the platform's use for social good. She has authored several notable books, including "Twitter for Good" and "Design Your Day," which offer insights into leveraging social media for activism and optimizing personal productivity, respectively. Diaz-Ortiz is also recognized for her contributions to leadership literature, particularly through her co-authored works with Ken Blanchard. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured in major media outlets for her expertise in technology and social impact. Beyond her writing, she is committed to philanthropic endeavors and mentoring women entrepreneurs globally.

View Collection
Roxane Gay's Book Recommendations

Roxane Gay's Book Recommendations

Roxane Gay is a critically acclaimed American writer, editor, and professor known for her insightful and provocative explorations of race, gender, and identity. She gained widespread recognition with her essay collection "Bad Feminist" (2014), which blends personal anecdotes with cultural critique. Gay's novel "An Untamed State" (2014) and memoir "Hunger" (2017) further showcase her powerful storytelling and unflinching examination of trauma and resilience. In addition to her writing, she has contributed to major publications like The New York Times and served as a visiting professor at prestigious institutions. Gay's work has earned her numerous accolades and a devoted readership, solidifying her as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

View Collection
Mindy Kaling's Book Recommendations

Mindy Kaling's Book Recommendations

Mindy Kaling is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer, best known for her work on The Office, where she played Kelly Kapoor and served as a writer and producer. Kaling has since created and starred in her own shows, including The Mindy Project and Never Have I Ever, earning critical acclaim for her unique voice and humor. She is also the author of several best-selling memoirs, where she shares her insights on Hollywood, identity, and personal growth. Kaling is a trailblazer for women of color in entertainment, using her platform to tell diverse and authentic stories. Her contributions to television and film have made her a significant figure in comedy and media.

View Collection

"I can’t trust people who don’t drink. I can’t trust people who don’t write."

A Manual for Cleaning Women

By Lucia Berlin

Frequently Asked Questions