Title: Nothing to See Here
Author: Kevin Wilson
First published October 29, 2019
288 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780062913487 (ISBN10: 0062913484)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
Kevin Wilson’s “Nothing to See Here” is a heartwarming and humorous novel that follows the life of Lillian, a woman who finds purpose in caring for two children with extraordinary abilities. Lillian and Madison were once close friends until Lillian left their elite boarding school amidst a scandal.
Years later, Madison reaches out to Lillian for help with her twin stepkids who burst into flames when they get upset. Despite her doubts, Lillian decides to take on the role of their caretaker, hoping for a change from her mundane life at home.
As the summer progresses, Lillian grows attached to the children and learns to protect them from the world around them. With his trademark wit and tender storytelling, Kevin Wilson delivers a remarkable tale of love, family, and self-discovery that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired.
About the Author
Meet Kevin Wilson, a prolific author who has written two collections and three novels that have garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following. His works include Tunneling to the Center of the Earth, which received the prestigious Alex Award from the American Library Association and the Shirley Jackson Award, and Baby You’re Gonna Be Mine.
His novels The Family Fang, Perfect Little World, and Nothing to See Here have also been fan favorites, with the latter becoming a New York Times bestseller and a Read with Jenna book club selection.
Kevin’s latest novel, Now is Not the Time to Panic, is set to be released by Ecco in November of 2022, and fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival. His fiction has been published in respected literary journals like Ploughshares, Southern Review, One Story, and A Public Space, and has been included in Best American Short Stories 2020 and 2021, as well as The PEN/O.
Henry Prize Stories 2012.
Kevin is a recipient of fellowships from the MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, and the KHN Center for the Arts, and he currently resides in Sewanee, Tennessee, with his wife, the poet Leigh Anne Couch, and their two sons, Griff and Patch. He is also an Associate Professor in the English Department at the University of the South, where he shares his passion for writing with his students.
Editoral Review
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson is a charming and heartwarming novel that will captivate readers from start to finish. Wilson is an American author and translator who has written several highly-acclaimed books, including The Family Fang and Perfect Little World.
Released in 2019, Nothing to See Here is a unique and imaginative work of fiction that blends elements of comedy, drama, and family dynamics. The novel follows the story of Lillian, a young woman who is hired by her old friend Madison to take care of her two step-children, Bessie and Roland.
The twist? These children have the ability to spontaneously burst into flames, a power that they must hide from the rest of the world.
As Lillian becomes closer to the children, she learns more about their troubled past and the mysterious circumstances surrounding their unconventional abilities. Wilson’s writing is sharp and witty, and he expertly balances humor with emotional depth.
The novel is set against the backdrop of the American South, and Wilson explores themes of family, friendship, and belonging with sensitivity and nuance. He also incorporates discussions of race, class, and privilege into the narrative, making the story feel timely and relevant to modern readers.
The character development in Nothing to See Here is particularly noteworthy. Lillian is a relatable and endearing protagonist, and the children, Bessie and Roland, are fully realized and complex characters in their own right.
Wilson also introduces a diverse cast of secondary characters, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. The pacing of the novel is brisk, with plenty of plot twists and turns to keep readers engaged.
Wilson’s prose is lyrical and evocative, transporting readers to the humid, sticky world of the American South. The only minor flaw in the book is that some readers might find the climactic scene to be somewhat rushed and unsatisfying.
Overall, Nothing to See Here is a delightful read that will leave readers feeling buoyed and uplifted. Wilson’s wit and warmth shine through on every page, and the novel is a testament to the power of empathy and humanity in the face of adversity.
Readers who enjoy quirky and heartfelt family dramas like Where’d You Go, Bernadette and Beartown will find plenty to love in this book. Rating: 4.5/5