Clean

In "Clean," 2020 Christopher Bland Prize winner Michele Kirsch recounts her tumultuous journey from addiction to recovery with a blend of dark humor and honesty. Following her father's tragic death, she turns to valium and later alcohol as coping mechanisms, which lead her to a chaotic life as a wife and mother. Ultimately, she seeks redemption through rehab, while working as a domestic cleaner, navigating the absurdities of everyday life and finding newfound clarity in her sobriety. This narrative transforms a personal struggle into a compelling exploration of resilience and reinvention.