Just brilliant! A collection of stories based on the late Berlin's life (she called it "a transformation, not a distortion of the truth"). My favourite read so far this year but also somehow hard to describe.
Described as "the best writer you never heard of", Berlin has used her rich life history in mining camps in Alaska, in a privileged life in Santiago and as a hipster in New York city. She also worked in hospitals and as house cleaner and college teacher. She was married three times by the age of 32; had 4 sons and a chronic alcohol addiction. She has a very distinctive style and writes beautifully - funny, sad and surprising stories.
This book is surely a masterpiece from a genius writer - highly recommended, and I feel sad that Berlin has died before receiving the accolades she deserved while alive.
Reviewed by Katrina
Catalogue link: Manual for Cleaning Women
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