I have no words
I am not entirely sure how to describe my feelings about this book. It was a reading experience, that’s for sure.
Nothing To See Here follows Lillian, a poor, down-on-her-luck woman forced to move back in with her abusive, neglectful mother. She’s a bit lost in life since her mother took advantage of a situation in college and ruined Lillian’s chances for a future. Suddenly, Madison, her college roommate, returns to Lillian’s life and offers her a job as the governess to her husband’s children. Her husband is in line for a big political seat, and as the kids are troubled, she needs someone to care for them who will be discreet.
What Lilian doesn’t learn until she arrives is that the children burst into flames.
This fantastical element adds layers to this otherwise one-dimensional novel. Lillian depends on this job to change her life, especially monetarily, while the kids need a parental figure. It’s clear that they are learning from one another despite their circumstances, and they form a pretty substantial bond. This book feels incredibly timely for some reason, maybe because the hypocrisy of politicians seems to be in the news every other day, which plays a significant role in this book. Not sure, to be honest, but it read as ‘ pulled from the headlines’ despite being unbelievable.
I enjoyed reading this. I can’t explain why, as I can’t say I enjoyed any of the characters aside from the children, but it was a fun read that moved very quickly. It was a breeze to read and I chuckled a few times, so it’s a win for me. The writing style was incredibly simplistic but offbeat enough to keep my interest and convince me to try another book by Kevin Wilson. I wish more books were this length
Title: Nothing To See Here
Author: Kevin Wilson
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780062913487
Three Descriptors: Quirky, Offbeat, Sympathetic
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The Guncle by Steven Rowley
An Arsonist’s Guide to Writers’ Homes in New England by Brock Clarke
Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory
Gravity is the Thing by Jaclyn Moriarty
Calling Invisible Women by Jeanne Ray