2 siblings who combust and catch on fire when they are upset, and Lillian is hired to care for them over the summer. Magic-realism meets family and friendship and love. I loved this book, I thought it was similar to the popular ‘The House in the Cerulean Sea”, but soooo much more earnest and heartfelt and with better writing.

Lillian grew up in a bad environment, with a father she never met and a mother who often neglected her. Despite this, she managed to get a scholarship to attend the prestigious Iron Mountain School for Girls, where she meets her best friend Madison. When Madison is caught with drugs, her rich father pays off Lillian’s mother in exchange for Lillian to take the rap. Lillian is expelled and does not see Madison again.

Until many years later, when Madison reaches out to hire Lillian to take care of her 2 step-children, who…. Catch on fire! Lillian, now lonely, unmotivated, and nothing spectacular, begins to care for these children, despite knowing nothing about how to care for them. When these children are ostracised and abandoned, Lillian goes on a journey that surprises even herself, as she learns about parenthood and her potential for love.

This story was tender and heartwarming, characters three-dimensional and often existing in the grey area. For example, Madison clearly in love with Lillian as well but choosing to be with Jasper, Lillian’s mother neglectful but loving Lillian in the only way she knew how, Timothy adopting the “good child” character that juxtaposes with Bessie & Roland but later developing the same ability to catch on fire.

A story with a fun, creative premise and a whole lot of heart!!