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An Ordinary Wonder
An extraordinary literary debut about a Nigerian boy's secret intersex identity and his desire to live as a girl.
Oto leaves for boarding school with one plan: excel and escape his cruel home. Falling in love with his roommate was certainly not on the agenda, but fear and shame force him to hide his love and true self.
Back home, weighed down by the expectations of their wealthy and powerful family, the love of Oto's twin sister wavers and, as their world begins to crumble around them, Oto must make drastic choices that will alter the family's lives for ever.
Richly imagined with art, proverbs and folk tales, this moving and modern novel follows Oto through life at home and at boarding school in Nigeria, through the heartbreak of living as a boy despite their profound belief they are a girl, and through a hunger for freedom that only a new life in the United States can offer.
An Ordinary Wonder is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores complex desires as well as challenges of family, identity, gender, and culture, and what it means to feel whole.
Oto leaves for boarding school with one plan: excel and escape his cruel home. Falling in love with his roommate was certainly not on the agenda, but fear and shame force him to hide his love and true self.
Back home, weighed down by the expectations of their wealthy and powerful family, the love of Oto's twin sister wavers and, as their world begins to crumble around them, Oto must make drastic choices that will alter the family's lives for ever.
Richly imagined with art, proverbs and folk tales, this moving and modern novel follows Oto through life at home and at boarding school in Nigeria, through the heartbreak of living as a boy despite their profound belief they are a girl, and through a hunger for freedom that only a new life in the United States can offer.
An Ordinary Wonder is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores complex desires as well as challenges of family, identity, gender, and culture, and what it means to feel whole.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 25, 2021
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September 9, 2021
Sometimes, you really, really want to rate a book 5 stars simply for attempting something different. If only reviewing were that easy! Intent is important, but content also rules. And this book wins in intent but falls a little short on content.
Story:
On the positive side, the book is rich in Nigerian lore, thinking, and customs. The writing is true to the cultural scene of the country. The lyrical quality of the writing is fabulous. I have never read a book with an intersex lead character. For that point itself, this book deserves huge credit. The representation of the characteristics of an intersex person seem quite accurate. For a debut work, the author’s choice of lead character is gutsy. All of this falls in ‘intent’. But as I said, the content is where the book partly disappoints.
The story starts off as a journey of muddling through confusion in an attempt at self-discovery. However, it soon devolves into a cheap teenage romance with many triggering events added for extra sympathy points. I felt like the author made a list of every bad thing that could possibly happen to an intersex person and include all of them in the story somehow. It felt very over-the-top.
I didn’t understand the necessity to have two alternating timelines in the first half: one for 1989 where Oto is 12, and the other for 1991, where he is 14. The stories merge midway and then continue till he is 16. So the entire plot could have progressed chronologically. There was hardly much of a time gap between the two sequences anyway, and the two lines do come together seamlessly in between, not towards the end. All the more reason not to have it paired with 1991 in the initial section.
In spite of the unnecessary dual timeline, the momentum of the story is great at the start. But it soon starts dragging and only towards the end, it comes somewhat back on track. The middle section is especially cheesy and stretched out, and spoils the experience of the entire book. While Oto comes into his own at the end, the way every single thing falls into place conveniently for him is farfetched. My rating started off at 5 stars for the first few chapters and then kept crawling downwards with every subsequent chapter.
Oto was an interesting character but not a well-crafted character. The story wants us to feel sorry for him for all the tragedies he has to face. And to a great extent, I did feel sorry. But some of his decisions and actions were highly questionable. Most of the other characters are quite clichéd and offer no novelty.
The thirteen hour long audiobook is narrated by the great Adjoa Andoh, who played Lady Danbury in the recent Bridgerton series. Need I then tell you how marvellous her narration was? Pitch perfect with the right enunciation, stress and emotions, this book was a pleasure to hear because of her.
The interesting title and appealing cover made me feel that the book will be an extraordinary wonder but it turned out to be an ordinary novel with some wonderful parts. If only it could maintain the quality as it was at the start, this book would have been a memorable read. If this were a book with any regular gender character, I would have given 2.5 stars for the poor plot development. But just for the decision of choosing an intersex lead in a debut work, I go for 3 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Otolorin (called Oto) has a deep, dark, shameful secret: he is “not normal down there”. His mother considers him the spawn of the demon. His father leaves home because of him being “unnatural”. His grandmothers consider him an outcast. The only ray of hope in his life is his twin sister Wura. After circumstances at home become too difficult to handle, he leaves for boarding school. What he doesn’t count on is falling in love with his roommate. The story follows Oto’s journey of self-discovery and self-confidence at home and at school. Will he be able to attain his dream of being “an ordinary wonder“? Will he finally understand why he feels like a girl though he is treated as a boy by his family?
On the positive side, the book is rich in Nigerian lore, thinking, and customs. The writing is true to the cultural scene of the country. The lyrical quality of the writing is fabulous. I have never read a book with an intersex lead character. For that point itself, this book deserves huge credit. The representation of the characteristics of an intersex person seem quite accurate. For a debut work, the author’s choice of lead character is gutsy. All of this falls in ‘intent’. But as I said, the content is where the book partly disappoints.
The story starts off as a journey of muddling through confusion in an attempt at self-discovery. However, it soon devolves into a cheap teenage romance with many triggering events added for extra sympathy points. I felt like the author made a list of every bad thing that could possibly happen to an intersex person and include all of them in the story somehow. It felt very over-the-top.
I didn’t understand the necessity to have two alternating timelines in the first half: one for 1989 where Oto is 12, and the other for 1991, where he is 14. The stories merge midway and then continue till he is 16. So the entire plot could have progressed chronologically. There was hardly much of a time gap between the two sequences anyway, and the two lines do come together seamlessly in between, not towards the end. All the more reason not to have it paired with 1991 in the initial section.
In spite of the unnecessary dual timeline, the momentum of the story is great at the start. But it soon starts dragging and only towards the end, it comes somewhat back on track. The middle section is especially cheesy and stretched out, and spoils the experience of the entire book. While Oto comes into his own at the end, the way every single thing falls into place conveniently for him is farfetched. My rating started off at 5 stars for the first few chapters and then kept crawling downwards with every subsequent chapter.
Oto was an interesting character but not a well-crafted character. The story wants us to feel sorry for him for all the tragedies he has to face. And to a great extent, I did feel sorry. But some of his decisions and actions were highly questionable. Most of the other characters are quite clichéd and offer no novelty.
The thirteen hour long audiobook is narrated by the great Adjoa Andoh, who played Lady Danbury in the recent Bridgerton series. Need I then tell you how marvellous her narration was? Pitch perfect with the right enunciation, stress and emotions, this book was a pleasure to hear because of her.
The interesting title and appealing cover made me feel that the book will be an extraordinary wonder but it turned out to be an ordinary novel with some wonderful parts. If only it could maintain the quality as it was at the start, this book would have been a memorable read. If this were a book with any regular gender character, I would have given 2.5 stars for the poor plot development. But just for the decision of choosing an intersex lead in a debut work, I go for 3 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
August 28, 2021
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An Ordinary Wonder tells a moving coming of age, one that will definitely appeal to young adults (heads up: it does contain some potentially triggering content).
The novel is set mainly in the 90s in Ibadan, Nigeria. The story is divided in classic two timelines (NOW and BEFORE) and is narrated by Otolorin, focusing in particular on her younger teenage years. Oto is intersex and is forced by her family to live as a boy, even if from an early age Oto has clearly identified as a girl. Oto's father, a wealthy business man, refuses to acknowledge her existence. Oto's mother blames Oto for her broken marriage and treats Oto in an appalling manner. Wura is Oto's only 'beacon', but even she's uncomfortable with the idea that Oto could identify as female. The BEFORE sections give us a glimpse into Oto's life before moving to ISS (International Secondary School) and it is far from pleasant. Oto's mother abuses her, emotionally and physically, and forces her to undergo 'cleansings' and 'treatments' at the Seraphic Temple of Holy Fire. Oto spends her childhood believing that she is abnormal and abhorrent, and is to be blamed for her mother's unhappiness. While Oto tries to live as a boy, she is not always willing to hide her true self (trying out her sister's clothes etc.).
In the NOW sections we follow Oto, who is now 14, at the ISS. Here she once again tries to blend in with the boys but the appearance of an old bully threatens Oto's newfound peace (away from her mother). She becomes fast friends with her roommate, Derin, who is 'half-oyinbo' (his mother is white). Not only does Oto excel at school but she is also able to learns more about what it means to be intersex.
I'm not sure whether the dual timeline added a lot to Oto's overall story. I think that her childhood could have been summed up in just a few chapters here and there, rather than prolonging those BEFORE sections. The story veers into the clichéd, especially the way the 'bully' storyline unfolds. I would have much preferred for that storyline to be a side-story instead of taking up most of the overall plot. The bully in question, Bayo, was beyond one dimensional. There is an attempt at giving him the usual 'but he comes from a possibly abusive family' sad backstory but this seems a bit like a cop out to excuse his most egregious behaviour.
I also wish that Oto's friendship with Derin had not been so immediate. The two become BFF overnight. Other students, especially some of the girls, are not fleshed out at all and serve as mere plot devices (like someone's GF...ahem). Wura too was a somewhat disappointing character. Her bond with Oto didn't convince me all that much.
My biggest problem is that the first 70% of this novel is basically misery-porn in which we read scene after scene of Oto being bullied, emotionally and physically abused, sexually harassed, demonised, and ostracised. It wasn't great. Oto is a sweet and somewhat naive narrator and to read of her being endlessly maltreated was kind of exhausting (I understand that a few scenes of this nature were needed in order to understand her circumstances and experiences but should those scenes make up 70% of the novel? I think not).
Thankfully the last 30% sees Oto finally receiving some validation. There is an unavoidable misunderstanding between Oto and the person she loves which I could have done without but for the most part this final section delivers. Oto's relationship with Mr. Dickson, her art teacher who is originally from Ghana, was truly moving. Their moments together were powerful and heart-rendering.
Buki Papillon's prose for the most part rendered Oto's young perspective but there were a few phrases that were very, shall we say, 'debut-like', such as the overused “I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding”...surely there is another way to convey Oto's anxiety or tension? I also thought that the "little/tiny/small" voice inside of Oto was unnecessary. This voice always voices her true feelings or fears...and it got kind of old. Why just not directly write what Oto fear or wants without resorting to that 'little voice'?
Still, there were elements of Papillon's writing that I really liked. Her descriptions for example were extremely be vivid, at times quietly beautiful, at times vibrant and full of life (someone is as still as an "Esie statue", "jealousy pierces my heart, stinging like a vexed scorpion", words "sting like pepper", Oto observing her mother during her father's rare visits "it was like watching plucked efo leaves left out in the sun. She'd wilt slowly till he left").
Another aspect of this novel that really worked was Yeyemi, an entity that brings comfort and strength to Oto (often appearing in dream sequences). Oto's book of proverbs also added a nice touch to her story as the proverbs she thinks of are quite apt.
This novel deals extensively with Oto's exploration of her identity, the bullying and abuse she experiences along the way, and, at long last, her self-acceptance. Overall, I would probably recommend this to fans of coming of age stories or to those who enjoy the work of authors such as Akwaeke Emezi and, to a certain extent, Won-pyung Sohn.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“With no words, Yeyemi says, I am the strength and fire in you, I am everything that is and was and every will be. You are the stuff my stars are made of. I am you and you are me.”
An Ordinary Wonder tells a moving coming of age, one that will definitely appeal to young adults (heads up: it does contain some potentially triggering content).
The novel is set mainly in the 90s in Ibadan, Nigeria. The story is divided in classic two timelines (NOW and BEFORE) and is narrated by Otolorin, focusing in particular on her younger teenage years. Oto is intersex and is forced by her family to live as a boy, even if from an early age Oto has clearly identified as a girl. Oto's father, a wealthy business man, refuses to acknowledge her existence. Oto's mother blames Oto for her broken marriage and treats Oto in an appalling manner. Wura is Oto's only 'beacon', but even she's uncomfortable with the idea that Oto could identify as female. The BEFORE sections give us a glimpse into Oto's life before moving to ISS (International Secondary School) and it is far from pleasant. Oto's mother abuses her, emotionally and physically, and forces her to undergo 'cleansings' and 'treatments' at the Seraphic Temple of Holy Fire. Oto spends her childhood believing that she is abnormal and abhorrent, and is to be blamed for her mother's unhappiness. While Oto tries to live as a boy, she is not always willing to hide her true self (trying out her sister's clothes etc.).
In the NOW sections we follow Oto, who is now 14, at the ISS. Here she once again tries to blend in with the boys but the appearance of an old bully threatens Oto's newfound peace (away from her mother). She becomes fast friends with her roommate, Derin, who is 'half-oyinbo' (his mother is white). Not only does Oto excel at school but she is also able to learns more about what it means to be intersex.
I'm not sure whether the dual timeline added a lot to Oto's overall story. I think that her childhood could have been summed up in just a few chapters here and there, rather than prolonging those BEFORE sections. The story veers into the clichéd, especially the way the 'bully' storyline unfolds. I would have much preferred for that storyline to be a side-story instead of taking up most of the overall plot. The bully in question, Bayo, was beyond one dimensional. There is an attempt at giving him the usual 'but he comes from a possibly abusive family' sad backstory but this seems a bit like a cop out to excuse his most egregious behaviour.
I also wish that Oto's friendship with Derin had not been so immediate. The two become BFF overnight. Other students, especially some of the girls, are not fleshed out at all and serve as mere plot devices (like someone's GF...ahem). Wura too was a somewhat disappointing character. Her bond with Oto didn't convince me all that much.
My biggest problem is that the first 70% of this novel is basically misery-porn in which we read scene after scene of Oto being bullied, emotionally and physically abused, sexually harassed, demonised, and ostracised. It wasn't great. Oto is a sweet and somewhat naive narrator and to read of her being endlessly maltreated was kind of exhausting (I understand that a few scenes of this nature were needed in order to understand her circumstances and experiences but should those scenes make up 70% of the novel? I think not).
Thankfully the last 30% sees Oto finally receiving some validation. There is an unavoidable misunderstanding between Oto and the person she loves which I could have done without but for the most part this final section delivers. Oto's relationship with Mr. Dickson, her art teacher who is originally from Ghana, was truly moving. Their moments together were powerful and heart-rendering.
Buki Papillon's prose for the most part rendered Oto's young perspective but there were a few phrases that were very, shall we say, 'debut-like', such as the overused “I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding”...surely there is another way to convey Oto's anxiety or tension? I also thought that the "little/tiny/small" voice inside of Oto was unnecessary. This voice always voices her true feelings or fears...and it got kind of old. Why just not directly write what Oto fear or wants without resorting to that 'little voice'?
Still, there were elements of Papillon's writing that I really liked. Her descriptions for example were extremely be vivid, at times quietly beautiful, at times vibrant and full of life (someone is as still as an "Esie statue", "jealousy pierces my heart, stinging like a vexed scorpion", words "sting like pepper", Oto observing her mother during her father's rare visits "it was like watching plucked efo leaves left out in the sun. She'd wilt slowly till he left").
Another aspect of this novel that really worked was Yeyemi, an entity that brings comfort and strength to Oto (often appearing in dream sequences). Oto's book of proverbs also added a nice touch to her story as the proverbs she thinks of are quite apt.
This novel deals extensively with Oto's exploration of her identity, the bullying and abuse she experiences along the way, and, at long last, her self-acceptance. Overall, I would probably recommend this to fans of coming of age stories or to those who enjoy the work of authors such as Akwaeke Emezi and, to a certain extent, Won-pyung Sohn.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2021
A person who sells eggs should not start a fight in the market
What a piece of proverbs to start out the epic story of Oto and his twin sister Wura! An Ordinary Wonder opens up in Nigeria in 1991 where Oto, age 14 starts recounting the story of his life. Yes, I know, he is just 14 but trust me when I say, he has lived a long, tiring life so far. Oto lives with his mother and his twin sister Wura, after his birth his father, saw that he was a “monster” and left to not be associated with Oto, his sister and his mother. Oto is left as the only person his mother can take her frustration out on and she does so relentlessly.
Oto is the exact opposite of his sister Wura, she is a social butterfly, the apple of her mother’s eye, she cannot do any wrong. While Wura tries to protect her twin brother, he always seems to find himself is tight situations- some things are left out of her hands. In an effort to escape his home life Oto leaves for boarding school and for the first in a long time he finds somewhere he can truly breathe easier… that is until he starts falling for his roommate and best friend.
is told from Oto’s present life at boarding school and his past life while living at home. This gives the reader a more in-depth look into Oto’s character, his family, history and why things are the way they are now. I think the author did this to show us the impact the past continues to play on Oto’s life. I also liked that you see the mother’s descent into a religious fanatic and why she is the way she is. We also get an explanation for why Oto continue to feel like a girl even through the world views them him as a boy…
So much is explored in this book- sibling love, education, gender, sexuality identity, belonging, culture, folklore and hardship. At the heart of this, this book renews your faith in humanity in such a great way. Yes, there were some parts in the plot that read unrealistically but I did not hold it against the author. I also felt the book tied up nicely without being too eyerolling. I also did not enjoy USA being position as the land of freedom but hey….
If you read and enjoyed The Girl With the Louding Voice I strongly recommend reading this one.
What a piece of proverbs to start out the epic story of Oto and his twin sister Wura! An Ordinary Wonder opens up in Nigeria in 1991 where Oto, age 14 starts recounting the story of his life. Yes, I know, he is just 14 but trust me when I say, he has lived a long, tiring life so far. Oto lives with his mother and his twin sister Wura, after his birth his father, saw that he was a “monster” and left to not be associated with Oto, his sister and his mother. Oto is left as the only person his mother can take her frustration out on and she does so relentlessly.
Oto is the exact opposite of his sister Wura, she is a social butterfly, the apple of her mother’s eye, she cannot do any wrong. While Wura tries to protect her twin brother, he always seems to find himself is tight situations- some things are left out of her hands. In an effort to escape his home life Oto leaves for boarding school and for the first in a long time he finds somewhere he can truly breathe easier… that is until he starts falling for his roommate and best friend.
is told from Oto’s present life at boarding school and his past life while living at home. This gives the reader a more in-depth look into Oto’s character, his family, history and why things are the way they are now. I think the author did this to show us the impact the past continues to play on Oto’s life. I also liked that you see the mother’s descent into a religious fanatic and why she is the way she is. We also get an explanation for why Oto continue to feel like a girl even through the world views them him as a boy…
So much is explored in this book- sibling love, education, gender, sexuality identity, belonging, culture, folklore and hardship. At the heart of this, this book renews your faith in humanity in such a great way. Yes, there were some parts in the plot that read unrealistically but I did not hold it against the author. I also felt the book tied up nicely without being too eyerolling. I also did not enjoy USA being position as the land of freedom but hey….
If you read and enjoyed The Girl With the Louding Voice I strongly recommend reading this one.
July 5, 2021
Of the many coming-of-age novels I've read about individuals who grow up feeling intensely alienated and different from those around them, I've never encountered a story like “An Ordinary Wonder”. It follows Oto who is raised within a relatively-privileged family in Nigeria in the 1980s and 90s. Oto has a twin sister Wura who is considered “normal” but Oto is made to feel like a “monster” because although Oto feels herself to be a girl she has been raised as a boy. This is something Oto's conservative and superstitious family have been try to suppress, but as Oto becomes a teenager the disjunction between how she feels, her appearance and how she's forced to present herself can no longer be suppressed. The narrative moves backwards and forwards in time between Oto's childhood with her abusive mother and teenage years at a boarding school. Gradually Oto becomes empowered to perceive herself in a way that is very different from how the authority figures in her early life made her feel worthless and unwanted. There are some inspiring individuals who support and befriend Oto while others seek to abuse, diminish and take advantage of her because she is at such a vulnerable and confused point in her life. It's a heartrending tale and Buki Papillon artfully crafts a story which carries you through Oto's journey with many revelations and dramatic surprises along the way.
Read my full review of An Ordinary Wonder by Buki Papillon on LonesomeReader
Read my full review of An Ordinary Wonder by Buki Papillon on LonesomeReader
August 18, 2021
Listen up kids….allow me to introduce you to the latest in a string of fantastic African queer novels…’An Ordinary Wonder’!
Reading this book made me realize that while I read a lot of queer stories - I have never read any with an intersex MC! Which is actually wild. Nonetheless I am so glad that this was my first because it was sooooo good!
Oto was the PERFECT narrator - written with so much heart and humor. Through Oto’s struggles, the author was able to engage with so many different themes around identity, love, family and ultimately the power of claiming one’s truth.
I also want to applaud the writer on how the discussion around intersexuality - especially within an African frame - was handled. This book presents a balanced narrative - especially around the question of cultural specific understandings of intersexuality. I love that Oto’s first moments of ‘acceptance’ came from a traditional healer/spiritualist rather than a western one. It’s such a small moment but the intention behind that choice says something about what story Buki is trying to tell - and what message is being conveyed.
I have seen some critique of this book and what some view as the author perpetuating Western savior narratives - as Oto’s goal of living in America becomes tied to her ability to live fully in her truth. I would counter that by saying that what the author actually does is present an uncomfortable reality. Which is that for large portions of global queer communities - seeking refuge in the arms of the colonizer is often the only way to find a moniker of peace and safety. Does it suck?! Yes. But that doesn’t make it any less a reality.
Lastly I want to say that this book is perfect for fans of ‘Girl With The Louding Voice’ (which is the while kf booksta tbh 🙈). Though I will say that An Ordinary Wonder is WAY BETTER than GWTLV (no shade…but also shade 😂).
Thank you @jon for sending this my way 😊
Reading this book made me realize that while I read a lot of queer stories - I have never read any with an intersex MC! Which is actually wild. Nonetheless I am so glad that this was my first because it was sooooo good!
Oto was the PERFECT narrator - written with so much heart and humor. Through Oto’s struggles, the author was able to engage with so many different themes around identity, love, family and ultimately the power of claiming one’s truth.
I also want to applaud the writer on how the discussion around intersexuality - especially within an African frame - was handled. This book presents a balanced narrative - especially around the question of cultural specific understandings of intersexuality. I love that Oto’s first moments of ‘acceptance’ came from a traditional healer/spiritualist rather than a western one. It’s such a small moment but the intention behind that choice says something about what story Buki is trying to tell - and what message is being conveyed.
I have seen some critique of this book and what some view as the author perpetuating Western savior narratives - as Oto’s goal of living in America becomes tied to her ability to live fully in her truth. I would counter that by saying that what the author actually does is present an uncomfortable reality. Which is that for large portions of global queer communities - seeking refuge in the arms of the colonizer is often the only way to find a moniker of peace and safety. Does it suck?! Yes. But that doesn’t make it any less a reality.
Lastly I want to say that this book is perfect for fans of ‘Girl With The Louding Voice’ (which is the while kf booksta tbh 🙈). Though I will say that An Ordinary Wonder is WAY BETTER than GWTLV (no shade…but also shade 😂).
Thank you @jon for sending this my way 😊
January 9, 2022
Oh my heart! What a beautiful read. I cried, I laughed and I melted! I’m in awe.
October 24, 2021
Despite my rating, this was a treasure of a read depicting an inter-sexed child growing up in Nigeria. The cultural reactions and beliefs were fascinating yet sad. It was here that the book shined the brightest. The depiction of the character’s challenges was also well presented. I was able to empathize fully.
Where I struggled was in staying fully invested in the plot. I tended to fade in and out. There were instances in which I was riveted and others in which I tuned out. The writing didn’t always work for me either. It seemed to focus heavily on concrete details and not enough on emotional connection and development. I wanted to experience more vulnerability in all of the characters. I listened to the audiobook and was blown away by the animated performance of the narrator. She did a wonderful job..
A solid read that I think many readers will enjoy but missed the bull’s eye for me. Thank you to publisher and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
Where I struggled was in staying fully invested in the plot. I tended to fade in and out. There were instances in which I was riveted and others in which I tuned out. The writing didn’t always work for me either. It seemed to focus heavily on concrete details and not enough on emotional connection and development. I wanted to experience more vulnerability in all of the characters. I listened to the audiobook and was blown away by the animated performance of the narrator. She did a wonderful job..
A solid read that I think many readers will enjoy but missed the bull’s eye for me. Thank you to publisher and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2021
An Ordinary Wonder is Buki Papillon's story of an intersex child growing up in a culture that won't accept her.
Oto and Wura are Nigerian twins identical in every way except one: where Wura was born with female genitalia, Oto was born with undetermined genitals, a mix of both male and female. Oto's mother and grandmother, who both practice a religious mix of pentecostal Christian and tribal beliefs, see Oto as demonically possessed being intent on destroying them and treat Oto as such. Oto fights to survive his family, his community, and his bullies, all who spend their lives abusing his in every way imaginable.
An Ordinary Wonder has a very, very slow start; the books seems to endlessly drag for the first 200 pages. But the last third of this book flies free: action, adventure, courage, and confidence pepper the pages. But in this, as well, the book feels disjointed the story being scant in some areas and too much in others. Nonetheless, for its contribution to literature on intersex people, this book is an important read.
Oto and Wura are Nigerian twins identical in every way except one: where Wura was born with female genitalia, Oto was born with undetermined genitals, a mix of both male and female. Oto's mother and grandmother, who both practice a religious mix of pentecostal Christian and tribal beliefs, see Oto as demonically possessed being intent on destroying them and treat Oto as such. Oto fights to survive his family, his community, and his bullies, all who spend their lives abusing his in every way imaginable.
An Ordinary Wonder has a very, very slow start; the books seems to endlessly drag for the first 200 pages. But the last third of this book flies free: action, adventure, courage, and confidence pepper the pages. But in this, as well, the book feels disjointed the story being scant in some areas and too much in others. Nonetheless, for its contribution to literature on intersex people, this book is an important read.
October 8, 2021
Book 286 of 2021
Many thanks to Orange Sky Audio and Netgalley for my ALC of An Ordinary Wonder by Buki Papillon. This is a book I've had my eyes on for a while and I was so pumped when my Netgalley request was approved.
I haven't seen or read a lot of books with intersex rep, much less in the Nigerian setting. This author approached this topic with so much rawness and honesty into the treatment of queer people in Nigeria. People who don't fit perfectly into society's boxes are made to suffer for their deviance. Otolorin was born intersex and assigned male at birth. Knowing nothing but hate and scorn from his parents, he was the reason his father left their family and he was always at the receiving hand of his mother's violent attacks.
Otolorin's relationship with his twin sister Wura became fraught over time and he learnt to depend only on himself, protecting his 'secret' however, he could.
This is a story with a lot of struggle and pain and abuse. Otolorin faced a lot of adversity but was such a formidable main character. This is a story of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-realization. When Otolorin begins to question the identity they were given at birth and develop feelings that could get them killed, the story takes a different turn.
The audiobook was well produced but the accent of the narrator was off and as a Yoruba person, I did not appreciate their pronunciation of the names and words.
A story of family, friendship, society, and resilience, this was a joy to read and I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Orange Sky Audio and Netgalley for my ALC of An Ordinary Wonder by Buki Papillon. This is a book I've had my eyes on for a while and I was so pumped when my Netgalley request was approved.
I haven't seen or read a lot of books with intersex rep, much less in the Nigerian setting. This author approached this topic with so much rawness and honesty into the treatment of queer people in Nigeria. People who don't fit perfectly into society's boxes are made to suffer for their deviance. Otolorin was born intersex and assigned male at birth. Knowing nothing but hate and scorn from his parents, he was the reason his father left their family and he was always at the receiving hand of his mother's violent attacks.
Otolorin's relationship with his twin sister Wura became fraught over time and he learnt to depend only on himself, protecting his 'secret' however, he could.
This is a story with a lot of struggle and pain and abuse. Otolorin faced a lot of adversity but was such a formidable main character. This is a story of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-realization. When Otolorin begins to question the identity they were given at birth and develop feelings that could get them killed, the story takes a different turn.
The audiobook was well produced but the accent of the narrator was off and as a Yoruba person, I did not appreciate their pronunciation of the names and words.
A story of family, friendship, society, and resilience, this was a joy to read and I highly recommend it.
March 11, 2022
This book has given me anxiety in a very triggery way. The pages and pages of child abuse, religious ignorance and opportunities for people to do better and educate themselves but choosing foolishness tbh started to feel a little trauma porn-ish, I can not ignore however the fact that this is a lot of people's reality especially given when all this happening. I wanted it to be over... My heart was breaking at every page. I was glad when finally a gleam of hope appeared and the story of Lori began to change. In a very triumphant ending, her being accepted as who she always felt she was in Nigeria, had me let out a breath of relief I had been holding on.
This is the kind of book that truly stays with you and causes you to think of the plight of people like Lori.
This is the kind of book that truly stays with you and causes you to think of the plight of people like Lori.
March 4, 2023
‘Ordinary Wonder’, by Buki Papillon, is simply put, one of the best books I’ve ever read.
This debut novel is a high quality, cleanly written story that hits you in the gut!
Set in Nigeria in the early 1990s, a set of twins are being raised as a boy and girl, when in fact, both desire to be raised as girls.
A coming-of-age story filled with rich characters and deep emotion. I was completely absorbed from cover to cover.
“… because creativity is the branch upon which human intellect blooms.”
This book won a ‘Massachusetts Center for the Book Award’ and would be an excellent book club choice.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for this author in the future.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and favorites list!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This debut novel is a high quality, cleanly written story that hits you in the gut!
Set in Nigeria in the early 1990s, a set of twins are being raised as a boy and girl, when in fact, both desire to be raised as girls.
A coming-of-age story filled with rich characters and deep emotion. I was completely absorbed from cover to cover.
“… because creativity is the branch upon which human intellect blooms.”
This book won a ‘Massachusetts Center for the Book Award’ and would be an excellent book club choice.
I’ll be keeping an eye out for this author in the future.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and favorites list!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 22, 2021
4.5 Star Rating
🖤Writing Style
The writing style in the book was a little hard to get into in the beginning, but as the story went it got easier to read through.
🖤Characters
I felt for Oto all the time. I loved Derin the whole time.
🖤Plot
“If you remain fixated on where you fell, you’ll never figure out where you slipped”
An Ordinary Wonder is a coming of age story of an *Intersex twin living in Nigerian. Otolorin was raised as a boy, but deep down felt that they were actually a girl. This was especially difficult growing up in a well-know, wealthy family who are concerned with keeping up with the image of perfection.
In this book, the author tackled issues of abuse, depression, identity, gender and culture. Otolorin was raised by an abusive mother who despised them and believed that her own child was evil. They have an absent father who shunned them because of their difference. Otolorin had to watch what is childhood and teenage life would have looked like if they had been raised as a girl, through their twin sister Wura.
We see how Oto struggled so much with their identity and trying to find ways to the person that they believe they really are. This became worse during puberty when they did not know and could not predict how their body will change. Will they have periods?. Will they grow breasts and a beard?. Can they get pregnant?. With no one willing to accept that Oto being an intersex is a medical condition and not a sign of evil, they were faced with a situation where had no one to prepare and guide them through puberty. This made me so aware that schools also do not take the time to educate learners on all the different facets of their sexuality. The information is always aimed at hetero-sexuality and leaves out very important for people who are not.
This book is not going to give you a “great time” because it shouldn’t. It is meant to teach and open your eyes and mind to people who are intersex.
🖤Writing Style
The writing style in the book was a little hard to get into in the beginning, but as the story went it got easier to read through.
🖤Characters
I felt for Oto all the time. I loved Derin the whole time.
🖤Plot
“If you remain fixated on where you fell, you’ll never figure out where you slipped”
An Ordinary Wonder is a coming of age story of an *Intersex twin living in Nigerian. Otolorin was raised as a boy, but deep down felt that they were actually a girl. This was especially difficult growing up in a well-know, wealthy family who are concerned with keeping up with the image of perfection.
In this book, the author tackled issues of abuse, depression, identity, gender and culture. Otolorin was raised by an abusive mother who despised them and believed that her own child was evil. They have an absent father who shunned them because of their difference. Otolorin had to watch what is childhood and teenage life would have looked like if they had been raised as a girl, through their twin sister Wura.
We see how Oto struggled so much with their identity and trying to find ways to the person that they believe they really are. This became worse during puberty when they did not know and could not predict how their body will change. Will they have periods?. Will they grow breasts and a beard?. Can they get pregnant?. With no one willing to accept that Oto being an intersex is a medical condition and not a sign of evil, they were faced with a situation where had no one to prepare and guide them through puberty. This made me so aware that schools also do not take the time to educate learners on all the different facets of their sexuality. The information is always aimed at hetero-sexuality and leaves out very important for people who are not.
This book is not going to give you a “great time” because it shouldn’t. It is meant to teach and open your eyes and mind to people who are intersex.
October 22, 2021
Really love this audiobook for An Ordinary Wonder by Buki Papillon, narrated by Adjoa Andoh.
An Ordinary Wonder is a sad, beautiful, and ultimately hopeful look at the live of Oto, a Nigerian born male who desires to live as a girl. This tale will grab at your heartstrings, making you look at what you take for granted every time you go outside, get dressed, and just exist in the world.
The narrator brings this story to life in a gripping way, with distinct voices and authentic accents.
An Ordinary Wonder is a sad, beautiful, and ultimately hopeful look at the live of Oto, a Nigerian born male who desires to live as a girl. This tale will grab at your heartstrings, making you look at what you take for granted every time you go outside, get dressed, and just exist in the world.
The narrator brings this story to life in a gripping way, with distinct voices and authentic accents.
March 17, 2021
DRC provided by Dialogue Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Representation: Yoruba intersex protagonist, Ghanaian secondary character, Nigerian secondary and tertiary characters.
Content Warning: violence, child endangerment, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, bullying, attempted rape, toxic masculinity, homophobia, attempted suicide, assault, blackmail, death, rape mentions, torture.
An Ordinary Wonder by Buki Papillon is a powerful debut about an intersex girl and her fight to be who she is, set in Nigeria in the nineties.
Otolorin is told, since her birth, she is a boy, but she knows in heart that is wrong, An Ordinary Wonder follows Lori’s story during her teenage years in Nigeria, her life at a boarding school and the beginning of a new chapter in New York.
I undoubtedly liked Buki’s way with words and the book’s structure, which reminded me of a journal. I felt as if I was reading Lori’s diary’s entries of when she was in her teens.
This novel, though, definitely is a heavy and dark read despite the joyous ending. Lori’s fight to live her life as she wants, and as she should have lived since her birth. is painful and so strenuous she almost gives up. There is this cloud of melancholy, which rains over and overshadows the narration with only feeble rays of lights and hope shining through here and there, that forced me to stop reading for nearly a week. And I think, perhaps, that is what is making me so hesitating about the rating. Its darkness was too much for me. I could not stand how her parents mistreated and abused her and how they did not intervene when others did it, how she found herself so alone because of the secret she had to hide, how the continuous hardships in her life almost broke her.
My favourite part of the book is certainly the one after she starts living with her art teacher. It is the part when she starts to retake control of her life: she mends the bond with her best friend torn by her fear of what he would think of her once he knew her truth; her hard and unceasing work in her studies is repaid when she gets the chance to study in the United States; she manages to break down the thick emotional wall that separated her from her beloved twin sister Wura. Their relationship is also one of the best parts of the whole book. It is often said that there is a link between twins that is unparalleled by any other pair of siblings and indeed, Wura’s and Lori’s bond can attest to that.
To conclude, I cannot say I completely loved An Ordinary Wonder, but I can say it is an incredibly impressive novel and putting it on your radar would never be a mistake.
Representation: Yoruba intersex protagonist, Ghanaian secondary character, Nigerian secondary and tertiary characters.
Content Warning: violence, child endangerment, sexual, physical and emotional abuse, bullying, attempted rape, toxic masculinity, homophobia, attempted suicide, assault, blackmail, death, rape mentions, torture.
An Ordinary Wonder by Buki Papillon is a powerful debut about an intersex girl and her fight to be who she is, set in Nigeria in the nineties.
Otolorin is told, since her birth, she is a boy, but she knows in heart that is wrong, An Ordinary Wonder follows Lori’s story during her teenage years in Nigeria, her life at a boarding school and the beginning of a new chapter in New York.
I undoubtedly liked Buki’s way with words and the book’s structure, which reminded me of a journal. I felt as if I was reading Lori’s diary’s entries of when she was in her teens.
This novel, though, definitely is a heavy and dark read despite the joyous ending. Lori’s fight to live her life as she wants, and as she should have lived since her birth. is painful and so strenuous she almost gives up. There is this cloud of melancholy, which rains over and overshadows the narration with only feeble rays of lights and hope shining through here and there, that forced me to stop reading for nearly a week. And I think, perhaps, that is what is making me so hesitating about the rating. Its darkness was too much for me. I could not stand how her parents mistreated and abused her and how they did not intervene when others did it, how she found herself so alone because of the secret she had to hide, how the continuous hardships in her life almost broke her.
My favourite part of the book is certainly the one after she starts living with her art teacher. It is the part when she starts to retake control of her life: she mends the bond with her best friend torn by her fear of what he would think of her once he knew her truth; her hard and unceasing work in her studies is repaid when she gets the chance to study in the United States; she manages to break down the thick emotional wall that separated her from her beloved twin sister Wura. Their relationship is also one of the best parts of the whole book. It is often said that there is a link between twins that is unparalleled by any other pair of siblings and indeed, Wura’s and Lori’s bond can attest to that.
To conclude, I cannot say I completely loved An Ordinary Wonder, but I can say it is an incredibly impressive novel and putting it on your radar would never be a mistake.
January 14, 2021
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
3.5 – The coming of age story of Oto, intersex raised as a boy in Nigeria, soon labeled as a "monster". Going back and forth between 1989 and 1991 in part 1, when Oto is respectively 12 and 14 (which in my opinion is not a gap that big to justify two different timelines), we see shame, ignorance, curiosity but also some of the familiar, weird social constructs typical of 14-year-old boys.
The story of Oto that from an early age felt like a girl, not a boy. But Oto has no choice in the matter and has to find her own ways to survive in a family that despises her without knowing exactly who she is, where her only ally is her twin sister Wura. At least most of the times.
In part 2 the two storylines merge together (as they could've been from the beginning) and we see how her life goes on and how she survives and overcomes any difficulties that comes her way. Towards the end though the structure of the novel became way too predictable and way too "classic" for my taste. There was one specific passage during which I though "I'm
reading that X happened, so SURELY now Y will happen", and it did. And from there, it just got more and more predictable. As we approach the ending, it gets very much into a proper, fairly cheesy YA novel (which is absolutely fine if you're reading a YA novel, but that's not what I thought I was doing) so it put me off a bit. I'm also unsure how a by-then 16 year old could achieve so many things and impose over a variety of adults so easily.
That said, I do love the way Buki Papillon writes and how she managed to bring me straight into a completely different world. I love her use of the book of proverbs throughout the book. I just felt this book got off to a great start, and then kind of got itself into a sort of Spy Kids plot.
3.5 – The coming of age story of Oto, intersex raised as a boy in Nigeria, soon labeled as a "monster". Going back and forth between 1989 and 1991 in part 1, when Oto is respectively 12 and 14 (which in my opinion is not a gap that big to justify two different timelines), we see shame, ignorance, curiosity but also some of the familiar, weird social constructs typical of 14-year-old boys.
The story of Oto that from an early age felt like a girl, not a boy. But Oto has no choice in the matter and has to find her own ways to survive in a family that despises her without knowing exactly who she is, where her only ally is her twin sister Wura. At least most of the times.
In part 2 the two storylines merge together (as they could've been from the beginning) and we see how her life goes on and how she survives and overcomes any difficulties that comes her way. Towards the end though the structure of the novel became way too predictable and way too "classic" for my taste. There was one specific passage during which I though "I'm
reading that X happened, so SURELY now Y will happen", and it did. And from there, it just got more and more predictable. As we approach the ending, it gets very much into a proper, fairly cheesy YA novel (which is absolutely fine if you're reading a YA novel, but that's not what I thought I was doing) so it put me off a bit. I'm also unsure how a by-then 16 year old could achieve so many things and impose over a variety of adults so easily.
That said, I do love the way Buki Papillon writes and how she managed to bring me straight into a completely different world. I love her use of the book of proverbs throughout the book. I just felt this book got off to a great start, and then kind of got itself into a sort of Spy Kids plot.
September 9, 2021
Being a teenager comes with its own problems and when you’re ‘different’ those problems are multiplied. In Buki Papillon’s coming-of-age novel ‘An Ordinary Wonder,’ set in Nigeria, Otolorin is an intersex teenager who identifies as a girl but is forced to project herself as a boy. Oto’s mother favours her twin sister and treats Oto with disdain. However, Oto soon gets an opportunity to go to a residential school, which gives her the space to be herself. But then, there are new problems she needs to face.
I’m sure you’re thinking at this point that this is not an easy read. It's not, yes, in many parts. Where Oto is forced to go through exorcism rituals. Where she is treated badly by her own family. Where she struggles to find her voice.
Yet, there is hope in the friendship she forms with Derin. In the guidance she gets from the head of school. In the good things that do happen to her.
I loved how Papillon makes it strongly rooted in African culture and traditions by interweaving folklore and proverbs. Papillon’s writing is engaging and kept me fairly engrossed.
Where I felt the book lost steam was in the structure. The narrative moves back and forth in time and eventually merges, which I felt was unnecessary given the gap explored was not much. I also felt that at times certain turns in the story were kind of cliched and predictable.
Where Papillon shines is when she vocalises the turmoil in Oto’s head. The shame, the guilt, the frustration. It’s very easy to make the story out to be about Oto and her identity but there’s so much more to Oto than just that. Papillon does a fine sketch of Oto’s character along with some compelling storytelling, with strong emphasis on resilience and hope.
I thank NetGalley and Little Brown publishing for my copy.
I’m sure you’re thinking at this point that this is not an easy read. It's not, yes, in many parts. Where Oto is forced to go through exorcism rituals. Where she is treated badly by her own family. Where she struggles to find her voice.
Yet, there is hope in the friendship she forms with Derin. In the guidance she gets from the head of school. In the good things that do happen to her.
I loved how Papillon makes it strongly rooted in African culture and traditions by interweaving folklore and proverbs. Papillon’s writing is engaging and kept me fairly engrossed.
Where I felt the book lost steam was in the structure. The narrative moves back and forth in time and eventually merges, which I felt was unnecessary given the gap explored was not much. I also felt that at times certain turns in the story were kind of cliched and predictable.
Where Papillon shines is when she vocalises the turmoil in Oto’s head. The shame, the guilt, the frustration. It’s very easy to make the story out to be about Oto and her identity but there’s so much more to Oto than just that. Papillon does a fine sketch of Oto’s character along with some compelling storytelling, with strong emphasis on resilience and hope.
I thank NetGalley and Little Brown publishing for my copy.
January 14, 2022
Going into this book, I didn’t know what to expect emotional wise and knowing almost a fraction of what intersex people go through. Safe to see this book blows my mind open.. right off the hinges.
This book highlights the phobia and stigma that Oto or as she is known at the end of the book, Lori faces as she navigates life in nigeria as intersex. From a mother who abused him emotionally and physically from birth, a father who doesn’t acknowledge his existence and a twin sister who would rather keep the peace at home than openly love Oto..
The author further highlights how Lori fights for her life despite everything going wayward in her life.
Ultimately, this is an important piece of literature and I’m grateful to the author for bringing it into the world.
Below are some important bits I highlighted from the book.
- “What I’m hearing is that Bayo is only one species of snake in an already over-infested forest. That there’ll always be people whose reality and sense of balance is so threatened by the existence of someone like me, they’ll do anything, however drastic, to fix it. So they can feel better. It’s not exactly news. It just hits home to hear him say it. “
- “Mother had once threatened to lock me outside for child traffickers to steal. Would I awake one day to find myself bound hand and foot, a stranger’s property?”
- “the new wife rejoicing to see the stick that is used to beat the older wife should remember that it only patiently awaits its next victim.”
- “I’ve forgiven you. Like you forgave me. To love is to forgive. Again and again and again.”
- “Life is full of holding on and letting go.”
Don’t forget to celebrate intersex day on 26th October.
This book highlights the phobia and stigma that Oto or as she is known at the end of the book, Lori faces as she navigates life in nigeria as intersex. From a mother who abused him emotionally and physically from birth, a father who doesn’t acknowledge his existence and a twin sister who would rather keep the peace at home than openly love Oto..
The author further highlights how Lori fights for her life despite everything going wayward in her life.
Ultimately, this is an important piece of literature and I’m grateful to the author for bringing it into the world.
Below are some important bits I highlighted from the book.
- “What I’m hearing is that Bayo is only one species of snake in an already over-infested forest. That there’ll always be people whose reality and sense of balance is so threatened by the existence of someone like me, they’ll do anything, however drastic, to fix it. So they can feel better. It’s not exactly news. It just hits home to hear him say it. “
- “Mother had once threatened to lock me outside for child traffickers to steal. Would I awake one day to find myself bound hand and foot, a stranger’s property?”
- “the new wife rejoicing to see the stick that is used to beat the older wife should remember that it only patiently awaits its next victim.”
- “I’ve forgiven you. Like you forgave me. To love is to forgive. Again and again and again.”
- “Life is full of holding on and letting go.”
Don’t forget to celebrate intersex day on 26th October.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
4.5/5⭐️This is a wonderful coming of age story that takes a look at the challenges of identity, gender, and family.
TW/CW: Child abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, homophobia, sexual assault, attempted rape, attempted suicide
Although this one took me a bit to get into, this was a beautiful, but heart breaking, story. Oto is a character that you feel for the whole book. You don’t see (or maybe I just haven’t seen) a lot of books with intersex main characters. Oto is intersex, but does not understand what that means and what their options are for the future. They are forced to grow up as a boy, even though they identify as a girl.
As Oto enters puberty, there are questions that they can’t answer- Will they get a period? Will their voice lower? Can they get pregnant? Not fitting in with their classmates, navigating these changes is difficult. Although there is pain and confusion, there is also love and hope. I thought that Papillon did a great job bringing the reader through Oto’s story in a real and heartfelt way.
I got this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the narration!
TW/CW: Child abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, homophobia, sexual assault, attempted rape, attempted suicide
Although this one took me a bit to get into, this was a beautiful, but heart breaking, story. Oto is a character that you feel for the whole book. You don’t see (or maybe I just haven’t seen) a lot of books with intersex main characters. Oto is intersex, but does not understand what that means and what their options are for the future. They are forced to grow up as a boy, even though they identify as a girl.
As Oto enters puberty, there are questions that they can’t answer- Will they get a period? Will their voice lower? Can they get pregnant? Not fitting in with their classmates, navigating these changes is difficult. Although there is pain and confusion, there is also love and hope. I thought that Papillon did a great job bringing the reader through Oto’s story in a real and heartfelt way.
I got this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the narration!
February 24, 2022
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The MC is intersex and the story follows them through their teenage years, growing up in Nigeria. I cared for the MC and found their story and the difficulties they had with their perception of their own body and the stigma they encountered a really important and interesting story. The other characters though were quite one dimensional and almost all of them were either the worst villain imaginable or a hero in shining armour! The plot became more and more melodramatic over time and the last couple of chapters in particular were very cheesy. I listened to the audio which was fantastically narrated by Adjoa Andoh and made the flaws in the writing easy to overlook
February 25, 2022
I have no idea how authentic Otolorin is as a Nigerian intersex twin who was raised male despite knowing and claiming she's a girl.
My library has this classed in the adult collection but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to teens. It has some violent and uncomfortable content but so does life and plenty of young adults are able to deal with knowing that it's not all sunshine and roses.
However, for so many heavy, serious topics, this story is fairly upbeat. Lori, who is known as Oto to everyone else, is a determined, funny, sweet, slightly-needy character with low(ish) self-esteem (understandably so once you meet her parents) but high self-preservation and self-awareness. She's smart, she's capable, and she's open-hearted despite all the abuse she goes through.
I greatly appreciate stories that don't follow current USAmerican trends. While I was disappointed with the use of the rapey character as Lori's antagonist, I did like that other traumatic events were not presented as constant obstacles to Lori's progress. Also, it was refreshing that Lori learned things and decided to create a support group instead of mavericking her way to the end. We definitely don't see enough of that in US YA literature.
But then there's also the addition of African belief systems and superstitions, as well as non-preachy explorations of how different religions offer harm or help to those in need of guidance, plus the threat of real-life social issues, such as confraternities, which I had just read about in Lightseekers, that all came together to create a complicated background to this story of a girl just trying to be herself.
So, again, I don't know how authentic Lori's voice is. I do know that I enjoyed her story a great deal, especially as narrated by Adjoa Andoh (she should win an award for the most perfect portrayal of gossipy women)
My library has this classed in the adult collection but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to teens. It has some violent and uncomfortable content but so does life and plenty of young adults are able to deal with knowing that it's not all sunshine and roses.
However, for so many heavy, serious topics, this story is fairly upbeat. Lori, who is known as Oto to everyone else, is a determined, funny, sweet, slightly-needy character with low(ish) self-esteem (understandably so once you meet her parents) but high self-preservation and self-awareness. She's smart, she's capable, and she's open-hearted despite all the abuse she goes through.
I greatly appreciate stories that don't follow current USAmerican trends. While I was disappointed with the use of the rapey character as Lori's antagonist, I did like that other traumatic events were not presented as constant obstacles to Lori's progress. Also, it was refreshing that Lori learned things and decided to create a support group instead of mavericking her way to the end. We definitely don't see enough of that in US YA literature.
But then there's also the addition of African belief systems and superstitions, as well as non-preachy explorations of how different religions offer harm or help to those in need of guidance, plus the threat of real-life social issues, such as confraternities, which I had just read about in Lightseekers, that all came together to create a complicated background to this story of a girl just trying to be herself.
So, again, I don't know how authentic Lori's voice is. I do know that I enjoyed her story a great deal, especially as narrated by Adjoa Andoh (she should win an award for the most perfect portrayal of gossipy women)
March 16, 2022
I stumbled onto this for one of my last February audiobook picks on Hoopla. And what a delight! I loved the narration by British actress Adjoa Andoh of Bridgerton and Witcher fame.
This is a debut novel about an intersex Nigerian girl named Oto/Lori who is raised as a boy and has a twin sister named Wura. This is an LGBTQ coming-of-age story about not fitting into your own family and community. Most of the story is set at age 12 or age 16 with flashbacks, memories, and stories of other parts of life. This is a debut novel by Nigerian-British author Buki Papillon. The story is full an complete; it is wrapped up well in a bow of hope, love and aspiration. As most coming-of-age stories do, there is plenty of adversity and some darkness faced by the protagonist throughout her experiences. I read some other reviews after finishing it that described this as triggering and having some heavy abuse. I will say there are a few moments that may definitely be uncomfortable for some, but overall I think this is a novel that demonstrates both stereotypical and atypical obstacles that have to be lived through and overcome, including suicidal ideation and an attempt. It also seems that this book was well written and well researched, particularly with included facts, science, and religious/social responses, particularly related to intersex, transgender, and gender identity. I enjoyed and appreciated this book even more then The Girl With A Louding Voice.
This is a debut novel about an intersex Nigerian girl named Oto/Lori who is raised as a boy and has a twin sister named Wura. This is an LGBTQ coming-of-age story about not fitting into your own family and community. Most of the story is set at age 12 or age 16 with flashbacks, memories, and stories of other parts of life. This is a debut novel by Nigerian-British author Buki Papillon. The story is full an complete; it is wrapped up well in a bow of hope, love and aspiration. As most coming-of-age stories do, there is plenty of adversity and some darkness faced by the protagonist throughout her experiences. I read some other reviews after finishing it that described this as triggering and having some heavy abuse. I will say there are a few moments that may definitely be uncomfortable for some, but overall I think this is a novel that demonstrates both stereotypical and atypical obstacles that have to be lived through and overcome, including suicidal ideation and an attempt. It also seems that this book was well written and well researched, particularly with included facts, science, and religious/social responses, particularly related to intersex, transgender, and gender identity. I enjoyed and appreciated this book even more then The Girl With A Louding Voice.
April 13, 2021
“You know, if only humans embraced each other in all the glorious permutations nature presents, there would be less pain in the world.”
I finished An Ordinary Wonder a few days ago, and it won’t be a book that I forget in a hurry! I’m still trying to process all of my thoughts on this one, and I’m finding it difficult to express how I feel about it....why do I always find it so hard with books that I love??
An Ordinary Wonder is a story of courage, resilience and hope. I fell in love with our protagonist Oto almost immediately. Oto is an intersex twin, and is forced to live as a boy despite feeling that they are a girl. Oto’s mother is ashamed by him, and even believes that Oto is possessed. Forced to escape the cruelty of home life, Oto leaves for boarding school.
The story is told through a dual timeline of ‘before’ boarding school, and also the in present, ‘now’
This book gave me all the emotions, from sadness and anger (I cried), to an overall feeling of hope and happiness. Papillon is such a talented writer, and through her wonderful prose, she sensitively deals with some very tough topics. I loved the African mythology that was interwoven throughout and the dual time time really worked well for me.
My only tiny niggle (and it is tiny) is that I felt the ending to be a little rushed and slightly clichéd, but that didn’t detract from my overall feeling about it.
An Ordinary Wonder is a powerful, complex, coming of age story that will make you reflect upon the concepts of gender and identify.
(CW: bullying, physical and emotional abuse, suicide attempt)
I finished An Ordinary Wonder a few days ago, and it won’t be a book that I forget in a hurry! I’m still trying to process all of my thoughts on this one, and I’m finding it difficult to express how I feel about it....why do I always find it so hard with books that I love??
An Ordinary Wonder is a story of courage, resilience and hope. I fell in love with our protagonist Oto almost immediately. Oto is an intersex twin, and is forced to live as a boy despite feeling that they are a girl. Oto’s mother is ashamed by him, and even believes that Oto is possessed. Forced to escape the cruelty of home life, Oto leaves for boarding school.
The story is told through a dual timeline of ‘before’ boarding school, and also the in present, ‘now’
This book gave me all the emotions, from sadness and anger (I cried), to an overall feeling of hope and happiness. Papillon is such a talented writer, and through her wonderful prose, she sensitively deals with some very tough topics. I loved the African mythology that was interwoven throughout and the dual time time really worked well for me.
My only tiny niggle (and it is tiny) is that I felt the ending to be a little rushed and slightly clichéd, but that didn’t detract from my overall feeling about it.
An Ordinary Wonder is a powerful, complex, coming of age story that will make you reflect upon the concepts of gender and identify.
(CW: bullying, physical and emotional abuse, suicide attempt)
September 17, 2021
I agree with another reviewer that An Ordinary Wonder was basically misery porn.
Oto was a charming protagonist and a fairly unique one at that, being Nigerian, intersex, and raised as a boy when obviously a girl in an abusive home. The first two thirds of the book dedicated itself to showing her childhood and early years at school, enumerating multiple forms of abuse (tw: physical abuse, emotional/verbal abuse, sexual assault, stalking, spiritual abuse) at the hands of her family, her schoolmates, and various and sundry. It was when things began to come together for Oto that the plot became unbelievable with . Oto's relationships with Mr. Dickson and Derin were heartening but her relationship with her twin sister, Wura, felt incongruent because while Oto and the text were complimentary Wura was not supportive of Oto's identity until nearly the end and she tacitly asked Oto to 'take' the abuse throughout their childhood.
3.5
Oto was a charming protagonist and a fairly unique one at that, being Nigerian, intersex, and raised as a boy when obviously a girl in an abusive home. The first two thirds of the book dedicated itself to showing her childhood and early years at school, enumerating multiple forms of abuse (tw: physical abuse, emotional/verbal abuse, sexual assault, stalking, spiritual abuse) at the hands of her family, her schoolmates, and various and sundry. It was when things began to come together for Oto that the plot became unbelievable with . Oto's relationships with Mr. Dickson and Derin were heartening but her relationship with her twin sister, Wura, felt incongruent because while Oto and the text were complimentary Wura was not supportive of Oto's identity until nearly the end and she tacitly asked Oto to 'take' the abuse throughout their childhood.
3.5
January 17, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive a proof copy of An Ordinary Wonder when I signed up for an event at the Durham Book Festival.
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Set in Nigeria in the 1980s and 1990s An Ordinary Wonder follows Oto, an intersex child brought up as a boy while knowing in their heart that they should be a girl. The book delves into Oto’s treatment by their family, where Oto is their shameful secret, the loving relationship between Oto and twin Wura, and the different ways in which Oto learns about and comes to understand their intersex condition.
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And interwoven into all of this are stories of African folklore, proverbs, and protective goddesses Yeyemi who comes to Oto when they’re at their most desperate.
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I had an idea that because of the subject and because the book sounded so epic I was going to struggle with it, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. I zoomed through it in a couple of day, partly because I just wanted to know how it turned out, but mostly because the writing was so beautiful that I couldn’t wait to read another sentence.
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Set in Nigeria in the 1980s and 1990s An Ordinary Wonder follows Oto, an intersex child brought up as a boy while knowing in their heart that they should be a girl. The book delves into Oto’s treatment by their family, where Oto is their shameful secret, the loving relationship between Oto and twin Wura, and the different ways in which Oto learns about and comes to understand their intersex condition.
.
And interwoven into all of this are stories of African folklore, proverbs, and protective goddesses Yeyemi who comes to Oto when they’re at their most desperate.
.
I had an idea that because of the subject and because the book sounded so epic I was going to struggle with it, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. I zoomed through it in a couple of day, partly because I just wanted to know how it turned out, but mostly because the writing was so beautiful that I couldn’t wait to read another sentence.
May 20, 2024
2.5
I was excited for this because I don't think I've ever read anything with an intersex MC. Unfortunately this book fell flat in almost every way possible that I left it feeling very frustrated.
I have a basic issue with the structure of this book. Really no reason for the split-timeline in the first half and honestly felt like a waste of time to read. I understand the author's intention in that Oto was one way but everyone in her life was treating her like something cursed. The last third of the book is the only time where Oto starts to get actual answers, and even then, the finale is mostly about Oto's enemies getting murked rather than Oto's self-realization. It felt like Man Like Mobeen lmao.
The other issue I had here was just how boring the prose was. It felt like it was written for teens. I could see this being categorized as YA and maybe working, since it really got goofy with some of the plot elements. The romance was a bit of an eye-roll, too. I think Papillon needed a few more edits of this before it was published, and it needed some major cuts with actual substance in its place.
I was excited for this because I don't think I've ever read anything with an intersex MC. Unfortunately this book fell flat in almost every way possible that I left it feeling very frustrated.
I have a basic issue with the structure of this book. Really no reason for the split-timeline in the first half and honestly felt like a waste of time to read. I understand the author's intention in that Oto was one way but everyone in her life was treating her like something cursed. The last third of the book is the only time where Oto starts to get actual answers, and even then, the finale is mostly about Oto's enemies getting murked rather than Oto's self-realization. It felt like Man Like Mobeen lmao.
The other issue I had here was just how boring the prose was. It felt like it was written for teens. I could see this being categorized as YA and maybe working, since it really got goofy with some of the plot elements. The romance was a bit of an eye-roll, too. I think Papillon needed a few more edits of this before it was published, and it needed some major cuts with actual substance in its place.
June 9, 2024
4.5⭐️ I love happy accidents like these! Random discoveries searching through my audiobook apps. This one paid off! So well written with emotion and empathy. A kind of perfect mixture of coming of age with edge of your seat drama sprinkled with cultural view of life in Nigeria in the 80’s and 90’s as an intersex teen.
There were lots of really deep and traumatic experiences so be warned this has its fair share of trigger warnings. But if you don’t love our MC and admire her bravery tremendously by the end then I just don’t know what you were reading. For me, it was another found family slam dunk!
My only qualm was whether the ending was the right fit for the rest of the book.
Sidebar: Adjoa Andoh might be my new favorite audiobook narrator.
There were lots of really deep and traumatic experiences so be warned this has its fair share of trigger warnings. But if you don’t love our MC and admire her bravery tremendously by the end then I just don’t know what you were reading. For me, it was another found family slam dunk!
My only qualm was whether the ending was the right fit for the rest of the book.
Sidebar: Adjoa Andoh might be my new favorite audiobook narrator.
December 15, 2022
4.5! Took a while to get into it, first 100 pages or so felt repetitive in its plot points with quick resolutions/conclusions but once I got into it I couldn’t get out. Characters were amazing and I loved reading about not only intersex peoples’ experiences but also from the perspective of a black woman in Nigeria in the 90’s. I’m so far removed from the lives of women like Otolorin, I’m so glad I’ve had a peak into the lived experiences of this community. Definitely feel a widened perspective after reading this!
April 9, 2023
The unique premise is what drew me in but the writing was slow to take off and when it finally did, it fell flat. This book could have been a truly literary masterpiece because of the protagonist’s unique perspective as intersex, but the more the story dragged out the more unrealistic it became.
December 1, 2025
This book made me cry and at one crucial moment beam with a genuine smile. What a terribly hard and beautiful story!!!
I feel sad that America is no longer really this land of promise stories like this cling to it being.
I feel sad that America is no longer really this land of promise stories like this cling to it being.
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