Random Things Tours: The Cleaner by Mary Watson

She is supposed to be invisible, left alone with her chores and politely ignored with her modest appearance and her foreign accent. But Esmie is not just a humble cleaner, entrusted the keys of the houses and ready to fill up her duties. She is a woman with superpowers. Actually, one of the strongest superpower: revenge.

The Cleaner by South-African author Mary Watson takes us to a very elaborated story of revenge and class priviledge, a journey across the social division lines of the Irish bourgeoisie. Revenge and social disparities may be a good match for a novel, but in the context of a psychological thriller it acquire a completely new meaning and I love how the author explores this unique angle. 

The main character, Esmie has a very intriguing profile and through the story development, we are able to seize her qualities and shortcomings in various ways. The story construction is very minutious, particularly in building the tension, that may lead us to expect an even more spectacular ending. I didn´t feel so, but nevertheless, the tensed twists and change of perspective in the book were equally valuable.

The Cleaner is very atmospheric as well, with so many specific details that do allow the projection of a specific environment and social standards, so important for the overall understanding of the book.

This is my second book this year with a cleaner character playing a key role in the story and I find interesting such a recent interest in this particular professional category. In Mary Watson´s book I liked how Esmie is a mirror of the inner conflicts and tragedies of the families whose homes she is expected to clean. Some dirt though, will never be cleaned.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, as well