Clean

Michele Kirsch's Clean is a darkly comic memoir about addiction, recovery, and the unexpected paths to redemption through the lens of domestic cleaning.

In Clean, Michele Kirsch recounts her tumultuous journey through grief, addiction, and ultimately, recovery. After the tragic death of her father in a train accident, Michele's mother becomes emotionally distant, leaving her feeling anxious and alone. By her teenage years, she finds solace in valium, interpreting the prescription's instructions as an invitation to escape her reality. This initial reliance on medication spirals into a deeper struggle with alcohol as she navigates the complexities of adulthood, marriage, and motherhood.

As her life descends into chaos, Michele makes the brave decision to leave her family, believing it to be in their best interest. However, this decision leads her on a winding path toward rehab, where she confronts her demons and begins the process of reinvention. Far from being a typical misery memoir, Clean is infused with dark humor and sharp observations about life’s absurdities. Through her experiences as a domestic cleaner in her 50s, Michele learns to reexamine the messiness of both her life and the lives of others.

With a unique blend of comedy and poignancy, Clean offers a powerful narrative about the choices we make and the unexpected pathways to redemption. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who has faced their own struggles, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there can be light and laughter.