# Nothing to See Here

By Kevin Wilson

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/nothing-to-see-here-9e2d754b/

Lillian accepts a job from her old friend Madison: caring for Madison’s twin stepchildren at a Tennessee mansion. Bessie and Roland burst into flames when they get upset. Their politician father wants discretion, leaving Lillian to look after children whose feelings can set the room alight.

## What makes it funny?

The twins survive their fires unharmed; their clothes and surroundings do not. Looking after them means tackling the ordinary problems of childcare with the added possibility that an upset child will burn through whatever is nearby.

### The comedy at work

Wilson treats the combustion matter-of-factly, giving Lillian practical work to do around an impossible condition. The wealthy adults care about keeping up appearances, while the children’s distress is spectacularly difficult to conceal.

### Try this if…

The bond between neglected children and an unlikely caregiver gives the strange setup its emotional weight. Readers interested in loneliness, improvised parenthood and unconventional families may find as much to hold onto as those drawn by the fire.

### Good to know

Child neglect and childhood loneliness are substantial concerns. The story also includes adult drug use and profanity.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- On the shelf: Family comedy
- Kind of humor: Dry wit
- The atmosphere: Warmhearted
- Story ingredients: Found family
- Format: Novel
- Length: 272 pages
- Published: 2019

## A few distinguishing details

- A childcare job involving spontaneous combustion
- A political household trying to conceal children’s literal flare-ups

## Sources & further reading

- Review: [Kirkus review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kevin-wilson/nothing-to-see-here)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/nothing-to-see-here-9781922330611)
- Author commentary: [Author](https://www.wilsonkevin.com/books)
- Review: [NEA reading guide](https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/nea-big-read/nothing-see-here)