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This was my May book club pick with my friend Sarah (her pick!), so I went in pretty blind and not sure what to expect. Let me tell you what - this one surprised me in the best way.
"Lillian and Madison were unlikely roommates and yet inseparable friends at their elite boarding school. But then Lillian had to leave the school unexpectedly in the wake of a scandal and they’ve barely spoken since. Until now, when Lillian gets a letter from Madison pleading for her help.
Madison’s twin stepkids are moving in with her family and she wants Lillian to be their caretaker. However, there’s a catch: the twins spontaneously combust when they get agitated, flames igniting from their skin in a startling but beautiful way. Lillian is convinced Madison is pulling her leg, but it’s the truth.
Thinking of her dead-end life at home, the life that has consistently disappointed her, Lillian figures she has nothing to lose. Over the course of one humid, demanding summer, Lillian and the twins learn to trust each other—and stay cool—while also staying out of the way of Madison’s buttoned-up politician husband. Surprised by her own ingenuity yet unused to the intense feelings of protectiveness she feels for them, Lillian ultimately begins to accept that she needs these strange children as much as they need her—urgently and fiercely. Couldn’t this be the start of the amazing life she’d always hoped for?"
- from Storygraph
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This book was an unexpected delight. I was curious going in what tone the book would have, but it was written with a lovely dose of sarcastic, dark humor that was so much fun to read. The main character, Lillian, is the narrator of the novel and her inner monologue (as well as her outer dialogue) are so witty and charming, but in a humble and slightly self-deprecating way. Also - the kids' personalities are just great. They're a little weird and twisted, but at their core they just want to be loved and accepted. I love how the most unlikely, untrained person became exactly what they needed simply by caring about them.
This is definitely a character-driven novel far more than a plot-driven one, and Kevin Wilson shows that he is absolutely excellent at creating his cast of characters. Everyone has a slight character-actor feel to them, but with just enough glimpses of uniqueness. Even the younger son, who barely speaks any lines, is given so much character just in the way he carries himself and interacts with everyone else. I thought Lillian and Madison's relationship was such an interesting study in the role privilege plays in people's lives. All in all, this was a really great read.
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Content Warnings: Suicide, Death of a parent
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