A Haunting Exploration of Class and Power: A Review of Alia Trabucco Zerán's "Clean"
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- 12 Dec 2024
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In "Clean", Chilean author Alia Trabucco Zerán crafts a slim yet extraordinary novel that delves into the complexities of class and power. The story revolves around Estela García, a 40-year-old housemaid who has been accused of killing the 7-year-old daughter of her wealthy employers. As Estela sits in an interrogation cell, she begins to recount her story, and the reader is drawn into a world of claustrophobic domesticity.
Through Estela's narrative, Zerán masterfully explores the dynamics of power and class, highlighting the ways in which the wealthy señor and señora exploit and dehumanize their employees. Estela is reduced to her role as a housemaid, invisible and insignificant to her employers, who view her as nothing more than a means to an end. The señor and señora are portrayed as detached and uncaring, more concerned with their own lives and interests than with the well-being of those around them.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its use of narrative structure. The story is told entirely from Estela's perspective, and the reader is privy to her innermost thoughts and feelings. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into Estela's world and forcing them to confront the harsh realities of her existence.
Zerán's writing is also noteworthy for its subtlety and nuance. She eschews overt descriptions of Estela's appearance, instead focusing on her inner life and experiences. This creates a sense of universality, allowing the reader to imagine themselves in Estela's shoes. The writing is also marked by a keen sense of observation, with Zerán capturing the smallest details of Estela's daily life and using them to reveal deeper truths about her character and circumstances.
Throughout the novel, Zerán explores themes of class, power, and identity. Estela's experiences are shaped by her socioeconomic status, and she is constantly aware of the power dynamics at play in her relationships with her employers. The novel also touches on the theme of autonomy, as Estela struggles to assert her own identity and agency in a world that seeks to control and constrain her.
One of the most striking passages in the novel comes when Estela reflects on why she stayed in her job despite the difficulties and hardships she faced. Her answer is both poignant and profound, highlighting the ways in which routine and repetition can become a form of self-imposed prison. This passage is just one example of the many moments of insight and revelation that punctuate the novel, making "Clean" a truly unforgettable reading experience.
Overall, "Clean" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that offers a searing critique of class and power. Through Estela's story, Zerán sheds light on the often-invisible lives of domestic workers and the ways in which they are exploited and marginalized. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and it will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned.
