Sandra Pankhurst’s typical work day involves the task of cleaning up a client’s residence, whether the occupant has become deceased, physically incapacitated, or is in emotionally neglectful circumstances. During the latter situation, Sandra has a gift for helping her clients get through their pain with compassion and a practical manner. Told in alternating chapters between her past and the present, The Trauma Cleaner tells Sandra’s life story as she overcame personal obstacles, from working as a prostitute to being a respected businesswoman.

Sandra was assigned male at birth, adopted at six weeks of age and named Peter by her adoptive parents. They already had a daughter and adopted Peter after losing their first son in childbirth. Five years later, they conceived a son, Simon. Once Simon was born, Peter was moved out of the house and confined to a shed in the backyard. Peter’s childhood was a physical and emotional struggle for survival.

Sarah Krasnostein has written the story of her friend Sandra in a respectful way, detailing every reinvention Sandra made in her personal and professional endeavours. Readers will find Sandra’s story emotional, shocking and triumphant. It is the true story of a remarkable and resilient human being.

Reviewed by Fotini Dangiris