Clean: A Novel By Alia Trabucco Zeran

Clean by J.M. Hsu is a masterful, suspenseful novel that delves into the complexities of power and betrayal within a seemingly ordinary household. The story unfolds through the eyes of Estela, a maid who has been employed by the affluent seor and seora for seven years. Originally from the countryside and separated from her mother, Estela’s role was to maintain the household, from cleaning to cooking, while silently witnessing the unraveling of her employers' lives.

The narrative begins with a young girl’s death, and Estela is interrogated about the events leading up to this tragic outcome. As she recounts her experiences, the layers of the household's dysfunction are laid bare. Estela observed the discord between the seor and seora, their troubled daughter’s rebellion, and the subtle threats within the home, including a gun and poison. She has been a silent observer of their secrets and personal failures.

As tensions escalate, Estela’s silence is broken only as she recounts the story of how everything fell apart. The novel questions whether her account is an act of revenge, a confession of her own role, or a reflection of class conflict. Clean builds its suspense with a sharp, incisive exploration of domestic life, class disparity, and the consequences of hidden truths. With its intricate plot and compelling characters, the book offers a profound examination of the dynamics that shape human behavior and relationships.