Lucia Berlin: An Influence Chart

Lucia Berlin died relatively unknown in 2004. A new book of selected stories, “A Manual for Cleaning Women” being published today by FSG will change that. By placing her at the center of literary influence, rather than as an outsider voice, I hope readers can see where Lucia Berlin came from (jazz music, Richard Brautigan, Chekhov), and where her style of writing influences (Kmart Realism, Lydia Davis, Autofiction).

—Shane Jones