Plot summary, “Cleanness” by Garth Greenwell in 3 Minutes - Book Review
0"Cleanness" is a novel written by Garth Greenwell. It serves as the second installment following Greenwell's debut novel, "What Belongs to You." Published in 2020, "Cleanness" continues the narrative by exploring the life of an unnamed American teacher who relocates to Sofia, Bulgaria, for work. The novel's structure features standalone and anachronistic chapters that gradually piece together a comprehensive portrait of the central character, who also serves as the narrator.
Noted for its innovative use of temporality, narrative unreliability, and fragmented storytelling, "Cleanness" captures the chaos of modern society and subjectivity. The storyline loosely traces the narrator through a challenging love affair, divided into three sections, each consisting of three chapters.
The initial section, titled "Mentor," connects to the narrator's role as a teacher. It depicts his interactions with a young male pupil, addressing adolescent heartache and sexual identity. The novel further explores intimate aspects of the narrator's life, drawing inspiration from Greenwell's own experiences. Two chapters delve into scenes of sadomasochism, where the narrator experiences both dominance and submission, grappling with the consequences of his desires.
Despite the consensual nature of these encounters, they are portrayed as both brutal and psychologically distressing. The narrator's yearning to be nothing, expressed after an emotional breakdown during one such experience, adds depth to the exploration of desire and identity. The narrative also unfolds the evolution of the narrator's long-term relationship with a man identified as "R."
Living in Bulgaria, the narrator and R navigate the complexities of expressing their affection publicly due to the risk of violence. However, the novel concludes on a hopeful note, as the couple returns to Bulgaria from a vacation in Venice, highlighting the resilience and private moments that sustain their love. "Cleanness" showcases Greenwell's skill in crafting a nuanced and evocative exploration of personal and societal complexities.