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Sarah M. (Kirksville, MO)
New Fabulism at its best
Readers will root for Lillian, the tough-as-nails yet vulnerable heroine, as she takes on the challenge of caring for two traumatized children who catch fire when emotionally overwhelmed. Wilson's deft use of spontaneous combustion as a symbol of trauma, healing, and cathartic acceptance is deeply satisfying. Readers new to new fabulism as a genre will be wowed, while fans of Karen Russell, Aimee Bender, and George Saunders will love this novel and will want to seek out more of Wilson's work.
Ann B. (Kernville, CA)
How do you prep for the possibility of fire children?
As a fan of weird fiction, I devoured this book. Main character Lillian, like most of us, feels like whatever she does, it's the wrong thing. She's not prepared for the children she's tasked to care for. Who would be prepared for children who catch fire at will? What Kevin Wilson does, and has done brilliantly here, is create situations and characters just absurd enough that they make you feel less alone in the world. Lillian says at one point, "That's how it works ... . The big thing is so ridiculous that you absorb only the smaller miracles." I highly recommend this book to weird fiction fans and to anyone craving a warm, witty novel.
Roberta W. (Los Ranchos, NM)
A sweet gem
When I read the blurb about this book, I knew I had to read it. Children who spontaneously combust? Who can resist that?
The book is funny, poignant and definitely quirky. Kevin Wilson has created memorable characters that stick with you.
It's a delightful read and I recommend it.
L. Jones, parent and avid reader
Enjoyable adult fairy tale
I really enjoyed this book. I call it a metaphorical adult fairy tale. The premise of spontaneously combusting kids feeds directly into the parenting metaphor, and the overall story is charming. The writing is also charming. The characters felt very real to me, and the descriptions painted a picture very well without being long and drawn out. The setting, in summer on an estate with lots of swimming and basketball adds to the fairy-tale feeling. This book made me want to go read more of this author's work.
Frances N. (San Francisco, CA)
Perfect summer read
This is a little gem. A heart-warming story with likable, quirky characters who grow on each other and on the reader. The book ends on a positive note that leaves a warm, but not flaming smile on everyone.
Jennie R. (Highland, CA)
A pleasant surprise!
When I read the premise of this one, I thought it might be a little too 'out there' for me, but decided to give it a go. This was my first Kevin Wilson novel, and what a pleasant surprise! I read it in two days and enjoyed every page. It's witty, funny, moving and totally enjoyable. Lillian and Madison are an unlikely pair of friends and their relationship is definitely dysfunctional. The way in which Mr. Wilson examines socio-economic classes, personalities, and relationships felt unique and refreshing. A short novel at just 250 pages, but what a fun read.
Beth B. (New Wilmington, PA)
Foundation Building for Beginners
KEVIN.WILSON.IS.AN.INGENIOUS.AUTHOR. Imagine the creativity involved in blending an implausible plot, ten characters (three children, six so-called adults), spontaneous combustion, and truth vs. sham into a wise and wonderful novel. Contrary to its title (Nothing to See Here), there is an enormous amount of wisdom and insight to see as the plot unfolds. Lillian and Madison are polar opposites who need each other to solve difficulties in their lives. Surrounded by the symbolism of a basketball and the power of wealth,a set of ten-year old twins and their inexperienced caregiver stumble upon the basics of parenting and loving and being loved. Complicated past relationships, seemingly always separate from one another, add a complexity that is ever so subtle. Count the number of times and the methods by which trust is given and gained. Lists compiled, problems solved, author Wilson throughout captures readers' hearts as he explores the connection between fire and love.
Sandi W.
laughing out loud funny...
A quirky story about a dysfunctional family and children who needed the best of care.
The twins, Bessie and Roland, tended to combust into flames when things did not go their way. Lillian was their governess and the only one who could help them and calm their fears. Set up in their own house, on their fathers large estate, Lillian and the twins learned to trust one another, and Lillian became very protective over them, as she begins to find meaning in her own life. As their father begins his upward rise in his political career, the children become an obstacle. This was something that Lillian would not allow.
This is a short book and I read it in one day. I found my self laughing out loud while reading this book. There were characters that you really wanted to cheer on and characters that you just wanted to kill. A fantasy written to provoke you into analyzing the roles of parenthood and what is important in life.
