Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson (2019): A Review

Title: Nothing to See Here

Author: Kevin Wilson

Publication Year: 2019, October 29

Pages: 288

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Literary fiction, Humor, Magical Realism, Fantasy

Source: eBook

Opening Sentence: In the late spring of 1995, just a few weeks after I’d turned twenty-eight, I got a letter from my friend Madison Roberts.

“Nothing to See Here” by Kevin Wilson is a humorous story about an unusual friendship between Lillian and Madison. The narrative shifts between the origins of their friendship—how it began and how it should have ended but didn’t—and their current lives together. While the story centres on this odd friendship, the main plot revolves around Lillian taking care of Madison’s famous political husband’s children as a governess. There’s one unusual twist: the children literally catch on fire when they become agitated, representing either a physical or psychological illness or just being neurodivergent. I am not sure which one: is it a disability or just simply being different!

One criticism I have is the lack of character development; we see very little growth, particularly among the adults, as if all the characters are frozen in time while continuing their lives without any change. This flaw aside, the story is a quick read or listen. It doesn’t contain thrilling or exciting events; instead, it focuses on Lillian and the children figuring out how to maintain their relationships without letting them catch fire. The bond they share is heartwarming.

Additionally, I found the ending unsatisfying. Lillian and Madison return to their childhood homes and face their parents, who remind them of their traumatic pasts and the lack of love in their families. Perhaps the story aims to suggest that, despite the harm caused by family, those same families can be seen as safe spaces. I personally disagree with this message, as it undermines the agency of traumatised or wronged children. I’m unsure how to interpret this part.

Nonetheless, it remains a fun and quick read while indirectly exploring physical or psychological disabilities (?), the relationships between adults and children, and, of course, rich people’s entitlement.