An Ordinary Wonder is the first book that I read with an Intersex rep. It's narrated by Adjoa Andoh aka Lady Danbury from the drama Bridgerton. The narration was flawless and very informative.

Being not necessarily enjoyable, but a much needed book, It has a lot of upsetting references, childhood trauma, bullying and abuse faced by Oto in their childhood through the hands of their mother, who blamed Oto for breaking up her marriage. Oto was born an Intersex, their father left the family wanting no association with the child.

Their mother took out all their pent up anger on Oto. The only solace Oto found was in their twin sister Wura.

The story is told in shifting timelines, Oto's childhood, and boarding school where they befriend and fall for their roommate, Derin.

Oto is made to believe that they are a boy, even when they feel like a girl since childhood. This causes confusion and identity issues to them. The novel deals with the themes of self esteem, identity, self acceptance and it was great to see Oto starting to accept herself as a girl and fight insecurities.

The strong characters, cultural references and proverbs make the book more meaningful and worthy of a solid debut. Be sure to add this to your lists.

I was excited to receive an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oto, a Nigerian intersex boy, hides his true identity from almost everyone in his life. His father, ashamed, has left the family and remarried. His mother, left to raise Oto and his twin sister Wura on her own, screams constant cruelties, calling him an "abomination" and cursing the day he entered her womb. The only support Oto has is from his twin sister, with whom he shares a deep and special connection. Oto works his way into an elite boarding school in Nigeria with the hopes of escaping the cruelty of his family and peers and earning a scholarship to attend university in America, where he hopes to encounter more opportunities and a chance to meet with doctors who better understand his unique anatomy. Along the way, Oto struggles against bullies who make it their sole mission to reveal Oto's secret, but he finds kindness and understanding in a few souls along the way who guide him to medical professionals that help him understand both his physical body and his gender identity. It is then that Oto can fully embrace their identity as Lori.

This book was both heartbreaking and beautiful. The characters were so rich and developed. I felt anger, sadness, hope, and happiness along with them. I loved the Nigerian folklore and proverbs. At times, the story had me absolutely awestruck. Absolutely worth a read! I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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!

wow where to begin..

each of the characters was so well crafted and all had their own complexities. there was so much depth even in character that weren't most essential and even characters that we were supposed to dislike. i loved being able to spend time in the mind of Oto and they're a truly unforgettable character. it was so refreshing to see such an underrepresented perspective and really broaden my horizons. it's such an important perspective that i hope many people will experience once it starts to hit the shelves.

the writing was lyrical and Buki Papillon described each scene and setting with such detail and care. i loved how some of the African culture was woven into the writing and imagery such as certain sayings, metaphors or experiences that Oto held onto.

i did think that the dual timeline was a little bit unnecessary. it did provide contrasts and parallels however, i did find the structure a little jumble and confusing at points. personally, i would have preferred a linear structure with flashbacks only if necessary (at certain points i can see where it should be used). i did feel like some parts of the middle dragged out a little and felt a little tedious, not adding much to the impactful storyline.

the narration in the audiobook was very well done. Adjoa Andoh did such a good job and really brought the characters to life. stressing words and speaking just as how i would imagine the characters would. especially in more heart breaking scenes their voice-acting really shone through. impressed with the commitment to varying voices and accents.

personally i would rate it 4 stars however, that is based more on my personal response to it. however, objectively i think it is very strong and deserves the recognition. not only because it is such a unrepresented voice but because it is such a beautiful and rich tale. hence, the 4.5-5 star netgalley rating.

overall, very strong and impressive debut. i think that this is such an important story to tell. each reader will get something out of it whether it be relating to struggles with gender identity, complex family relations, the experience of bullying or just the feeling of uncomfortable in your own skin.

This is a beautiful but harrowing read about Otolorin, a twelve year old who is intersex and forced to live as a boy despite knowing she’s a girl. It’s set in the early ‘90s in Nigeria, and the trauma Lori goes through is really intense, and your heart will BREAK but also be rebuilt by the end with soft swells of hope. It's definitely not an easy read and the abuse Lori goes through is pretty intense; it's a stark reminder of what queer people have had to face in history and throughout the world.

Lori is such a soft and lovely person, an artist and a dreamer. She takes refuge in a lot of Nigerian myths and folk tales and often retreats into them when things are really bad. She also has a twin, Wura, and their relationship was both special but flawed. Wura did some horrible things, but she was a child too? She was the only thing standing between Lori and their mother's cruelty, so I kind of understand why Wura failed Lori sometimes. But it still was devastating how absolutely alone Lori felt some times. The book is also broken up into a "before" and "now" structure, where Lori is 12 and at home in part, and 14 (and getting older) at boarding school in the alternative chapters. My soul teared up a bit at the end, but in a good way. There is such power in gaining correct labels and both medical and social understanding of who you are, and that Lori was never broken, never imperfect, and always deserved love.

I also listened to the audiobook and the narration was amazing!

A deeply powerful and gut wrenching read of a queer child surviving abuse and terror through art and stories.

A beautiful coming of age tale about an intersex boy who really feels she is a girl. It’s a story of sexual identity, sibling love and rivalry, finding yourself. It’s quite harrowing at times but shouldn’t put you off this beautiful story.

Format: audiobook
Author: Buki Papillon ~ Title: An Ordinary Wonder ~ Narrator: Adjoa Andoh
Content: 3.5 stars ~ Narration: 5 stars

An Ordinary Wonder is full of Nigerian customs, myths, and beliefs. I loved that.

Otolorin (Oto/Lori) is an intersex that is raised as a boy but inside feels like a girl. She is born into a wealthy family. But this doesn’t mean that it is any easier for her. Her parents don’t understand the situation or her feelings. Otolorin is constantly abused, bullied, and emotionally tortured. This has an enormous impact on her self-esteem and self-acceptance.

A coming-of-age story that deals with gender, identity, family, love, and culture. It contains quite a few sensitive topics, like domestic abuse, emotional and physical abuse, suicide and rape attempts.

The novel begins with two separate timelines, now and before, that I didn’t think to have such a powerful effect on the storytelling. There is also too much teen romance for my taste. Otherwise, this is an impressive debut.

I loved the narration by Adjoa Andoh. I loved her accent and the atmosphere that she created.

Thanks to the OrangeSky Audio for the ARC and the opportunity to listen to this! All opinions are my own.

TW: physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual assault/rape, suicide attempt, suicide discussion, child abuse, homophobia, violence, bullying, body shaming.

Reminding me of Maya Angelou's harsh upbringing, this story was every bit overwhelming as it was heartwarming. Papillon wrote a true story of courage and hope when she created the world of An Ordinary Wonder.

The coming of age story follows young Otto as they discover the truth about themself in a world that pushes them to their limits in every aspect of life. Pushing through all the hardships that Otto has to endure to receive their well deserved happy ending is worth it, but it is emotionally taxing for the reader. The ray of light that there are flecks of before the rainbow shines through a few chapters before the end is all worth it when Otto lives their truth, and you see that everything has been worth it. It is then that you realise that if Otto can survive a life of abuse not only at the hands of their family, school mates and the world and fight for themselves to enjoy their metamorphosis, then you have the courage within yourself to do so much more than you know you are capable of too.

An Ordinary Wonder is set in the 90s in Ibadan, Nigeria and takes place in two timelines - now and before. This story is narrated by Otolorin who is intersex and is forced by her family to live as a boy, even though she identifies as a girl from a young age.

There are so many people in Oto’s life that are cruel and abusive to her including close family. “When I was little, mother told me I was a monster that should never have been born.”

Oto is one of a twin. The twins grow up very close, possibly in part because so many are unkind to Oto. “We will always have each other that’s why we came to the world together.”

This is a heartbreaking and hopeful coming-of-age story. The novel is beautifully written with Nigerian folklore, traditions, & sayings sprinkled throughout.

I loved the voice of Oto. She was written with such heart & humour, and although she experiences abuse and heartbreak, she remains a survivor. “Those words smell like hope, and hope is expensive. It’s asking me to deal beyond here and now. To imagine that there are still dreams worth pursuing.”

There are minor issues in the story with pacing but they do not take away from the overall beauty of Buki Papillon’s story.

The audiobook is narrated by Adjoa Andohw who does a spectacular job. This story is one that will stay with me.

This book has evoked so many emotions and feelings. It was so deeply troubling and sad and yet ended full of hope and happiness. The narration was excellent and I would recommend this book to others but also keeping in mind trigger warnings such as abuse and assault.

I really enjoyed this book which at its heart is a coming of age story. There are so many complex things explored in this book from gender, sexual identity to belonging and differences in culture. Love a story about twins that share so many things, but are ultimately also so different. And of course the fear and shame that Oto feels is so palpable on the page, you really feel for them.

The Audiobook is very good. I loved the narrator so much. Adjoa Andoh, who plays Lady Danbury in Netflix's Bridgerton, has a rich, soothing voice that swept me away. She is the reason why I requested this audiobook, but the story and writing is what kept me hooked.

I highly recommend this book!

Oto is an intersex twin being raised as a boy. Oto's unclear genitalia is considered shameful by their family and efforts are made to hide Oto's condition from the greater community because of the expected stigma. Oto's father left the family because of it; Oto's mother blames Oto and abuses them throughout their life. Oto's grandmothers appear unsympathetic as well. Oto's twin sister is their champion in early life, but eventually even she turns her back on Oto.

Once Oto escapes home for boarding school, some aspects of daily life are better; but there are still serious threats to their safety, including violent bullies. Two relationships at school are quite positive: roommate and fast friend Derin and art teacher Mr. Dickson. [There is a helpful school nurse, who plays a pivotal, though minor, role.] The story takes place "before" (mostly in the late 1980s, when Oto is 12–13, at home, also some brief references to Oto's birth) and "now" (in the early 1990s, when Oto is 14–16, at boarding school and beyond).

The heartbreaking violence and abuse Oto experiences make up the lion's share of the story—it's not a light read. Thankfully, there's also some fantastic humor, especially around family relationships. Other positive themes include chosen family and self-understanding. So, while the overall tone is very dark, ultimately, I was rooting for Oto throughout and eventually handsomely rewarded with happier events. This debut novel had me pretty hooked.

The audio edition is narrated by British film, television, stage, and radio actress Adjoa Andoh, of whom some Americans may know from Netflix's Bridgerton. Andoh's voice has quite an effective range, easily differentiating between male and female characters and between calm/melodic and shrill personalities/voices.

Content warnings include child abuse, rape, violence, bullying, homophobia, suicidal ideation/suicide attempts.

Thank you, NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This book is so totally awesome! First of all, I listened to the audio book and the narrator is amazing. The story is of an intersex teenager who grew up in Nigeria with a mother who thought she was an abomination, and had raised her as a boy along with her twin sister. Her father had abandoned them because Oto was imperfect and wrong. But Oto works hard and he manages to get himself into a private school where he can be away from his mother and he is able to learn about what he- actually she - really is and it is just an amazing story.

WOW!!!! I absolutely LOVED this book. I wish I'd picked up my hard copy sooner, but I am also so glad I got to listen to the audio to go with it. This narrator is amazing. I just loved listening to her speak. It really bought the story to life for me.

The story of Oto/Lori, an intersex twin growing up in Nigeria with a far from supportive family. It is just a powerful, engrossing, sad, but also joyous book. I could not stop listening and reading once I started it.

I read Butter Honey Pig Bread this month too and there were a lot of similarities and cross overs in regards to culture and twins. Also, I think you would love this book if you loved Middlesex and/or The Death of Vivek Oji.

Lori now has a special place in my heart and the physical copy is going straight on my favourites shelf!

This book is about the life of Oto, who is being raised as a boy and is even sent off to a boarding school for boys. The thing is, Oto doesn't feel like a boy. Oto is confused, yet feels he is a girl. She is struggling to know why her family treats her as if she is unwanted and strange.

This story was so sad!!! This really makes the reader understand what Oto is going through. The way she feels, the attempt to find out about who she is, as she is finally finding the strength to stand up for who she is.

This is something you do not read about often. It really put into perspective how it could be if we were to be born with just a few alterations to our genetic makeup. This story just broke my heart. I am really glad I was given the opportunity to read this story. A true coming-of-age book!

Thank you to Net Galley for the review copy of this book.

A coming of age story, this book centres Oto, a young intersex twin living and attending school in Nigeria, raised as a boy, she identifies as a girl.

The word raised in the above sentence doesn't fit, it implies nurture, love, the instilling of values. Oto is told she is a monster, told to not bring the family any more shame, she is abused, lies to hospital staff about the reason of her visits, at school her life is not much different.

Oto's twin sister is her protector, not always her friend, but always looking out for her.

Oto's good marks at school provide her with an avenue of escape; but this is put at risk when school bullying and corruption exposes an undercurrent of bribery, threats and gangs in Nigeria, that only sees power.

Trigger Warnings - Rape, Suicide, Attempted Murder, Bullying, Abuse, Enforced Misgendering, Violence, sibling favoritism.

Great characters, the complex relationship between the twins really captures something new and different, it is incredibly nuanced and subtle in place, complicated by the twins different relationships with their family and friends and for me is the highlight of this novel.

If I am to criticise this novel it is that it is slightly too long and could have been slightly edited back to make it flow nicer and quicker, however for me this is the difference between a book I thought was very good and a book I will rave about until I die.

Comparisons to Akwaeke Emezi's Freshwater is inevitable, even though much of this book is different. If you enjoy Emezi this book is one for you.

Very much recommend this novel.

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:
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.