The Trauma Cleaner
- Author: S. Krasnostein
- Title: The Trauma Cleaner
- Published: 2018
- List Reading Challenges 2018
- Monthly reading planning
- Trivia: Winner Victorian Premier’s Literary Award 2018 (non-fiction)
Finished: 17.04.2018
Genre: non-fiction
Rating: A+++
Review:
Who is Sandra/Peter?
She is a transgender, a survivor of a dysfunctional childhood, a husband, wife,
father, svelte star of many brothels and a savvy businesswoman.
What did I learn from Sandra?
Keep you life uncluttered…keep only what makes you happy.
Sandra: “I’ve made an executive decision.
This is shit”… and we are tossing it out!
- I just was so inspired by the strength Sandra showed
- ..when life threw her a curve ball.
- She helps her clients throw the junk out of their lives.
- She comforts them and always
- ...feels warm (character), like a car engine that’s been driving for hours.
Who was my favorite client?
Marilyn
A 70-ish “iron-tongued warrior in silken finery and bold beads.
Marilyn puttering around the house filled with junk and debris that almost sweeps the ceiling… with the aid of a gliding walker while balancing a gin and tonic on it in the early-morning light. Marilyn is a Christmas junkie… 2 artificial trees, Christmas-themed rugs, strings of lights an lots of Santas.
Hoarding does not discriminate on the basis of income or intelligence.
Strong point: Sarah Krasnostein can write! I am so impressed and happy I discovered this new writer.If this is a first book…I hope to read may more by Sarah!
Strong point: The book moved me to tears.
…and I mean that in a good way.
The narratives of the hoarders are as messy as their houses.
But Sandra has managed to maintain harmony in
her home and life as a means of survival.
Last thoughts:
- Sandra’s personal life is a rollercoaster ride of emotion.
- Hold on to your hat!
- But the chapters alternated with her work as trauma cleaner
- …..showing a compassion that just took my breath away.
- Sandra runs a tight ship when it comes to her business
- …but takes time to sit on the side of the bed with
- …’Marilyn’ in her lavender bathrobe.
- She assure her client that nothing is
- …tossed out with out her permission.
- Nothing goes in the dishwasher.
- Her workers will hand wash every utensil in the kitchen.
- Marilyn sighs a deep breath of relief.
#MustRead !
Sandra
NancyElin 
I’ve not heard of this book, but it sounds fascinating. Will keep it in mind for nonfiction November. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
It is a gem…will make you laugh while tugging on a heartstring.
I learned a lot about industrial cleaning!
It is hard to imagine that there are people who suffer from ‘hoarding’.
I think you will enjoy this book! Thanks for you commet!
This book has had so much hype in Australia but I thought the trauma referred to murders and suicides that Sandra had to clean up, which is why I’ve steered clear. I didn’t realise it was about hoarders.
The Aust cover went with an orange glove #curious
Sandra’s personal life is a rollercoaster ride of emotion. Hold on to your hat!
But the chapters alternated with her work as ‘trauma cleaner’ showing compassion that just took my breath away. Sandra runs a tight ship when it comes to her business…but takes time to sit on the side of the bed with ‘Marilyn’ in her lavender bathrobe. She assures her client that nothing is tossed out with out her permission. Nothing goes in the dishwasher. Her workers will hand wash every utensil in the kitchen. Marilyn sighs a deep breath of relief. 🙂
This sounds fascinating! I love books about off-best professions, so this is a must-read for me 🙂
Make a cup of tea….get out the box of you favorite cookies… and enjoy this great non-fiction read! I read it in one long day!