Lucia Berlin (1936–2004) was an American short story writer known for her vivid, semi-autobiographical tales that often reflect her own varied life experiences. She was somewhat overlooked during her lifetime, but her literary reputation has grown posthumously, particularly after the 2015 publication of "A Manual for Cleaning Women," a collection of her stories that highlights her wit, compassion, and keen observation of human nature. Berlin's sharp prose and intimate narrative voice draw readers into the world of her flawed but resilient characters, who navigate life's complexities with a mixture of grace and grit. Her work is celebrated for its emotional depth and its portrayal of women's lives with humor and honesty.