afterglobe's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
5/5 - If I could rate this off the charts, I would.
How to describe this incredible novel. How to even begin. I'm still covered in goose-bumps, still wiping tears from my eyes. This is one of those novels you emerge transformed from and the world looks just a little bit different with this story in your mind.
I've never read a story with an intersex protagonist before, let alone a story that reflects an African voice. I was immediately curious about this narrative, which is why I requested the book to review. I am so glad I did.
The book is written in clear, poetic prose that with elements of magical realism and quotes that linger with you, such as the beautiful statement from Yeyemi - "You are the stuff my stars are made of." The vulnerable style makes it impossible not to fall in love with Lori or to feel every punch that life lands her. I read audiobooks to multitask on creative projects and it was pointless to even try with this one, because I was in tears for the majority of this narrative.
Through this emotional journey, I also learned a lot. I learned about Nigerian culture, about what it means to be intersex, what it looks like to belong to the LGBT community within elite Nigerian circles, etc. The book felt not only like Lori's discovery of herself but my own discovery of a world I was completely ignorant of.
I will also say that this book reminded me strongly of "A Little Life" and "Young Mungo" which are also novels that tackle the difficulties facing LGBT youth and unflinchingly examine the violence and vulnerability of those seeking out their identities and remaining so incredibly GOOD in the face of all the corruption and evil that the world spills out upon them. "An Ordinary Wonder" has that same celebration of unbreakable love and friendship and beauty in a world that is often ugly and unkind.
This book is powerful, this story is necessary. And I for one will read anything that Papillon writes in the future, because I don't expect to ever read a story like this one ever again. This book is an absolute marvel, an ordinary wonder.
5/5 - If I could rate this off the charts, I would.
How to describe this incredible novel. How to even begin. I'm still covered in goose-bumps, still wiping tears from my eyes. This is one of those novels you emerge transformed from and the world looks just a little bit different with this story in your mind.
I've never read a story with an intersex protagonist before, let alone a story that reflects an African voice. I was immediately curious about this narrative, which is why I requested the book to review. I am so glad I did.
The book is written in clear, poetic prose that with elements of magical realism and quotes that linger with you, such as the beautiful statement from Yeyemi - "You are the stuff my stars are made of." The vulnerable style makes it impossible not to fall in love with Lori or to feel every punch that life lands her. I read audiobooks to multitask on creative projects and it was pointless to even try with this one, because I was in tears for the majority of this narrative.
Through this emotional journey, I also learned a lot. I learned about Nigerian culture, about what it means to be intersex, what it looks like to belong to the LGBT community within elite Nigerian circles, etc. The book felt not only like Lori's discovery of herself but my own discovery of a world I was completely ignorant of.
I will also say that this book reminded me strongly of "A Little Life" and "Young Mungo" which are also novels that tackle the difficulties facing LGBT youth and unflinchingly examine the violence and vulnerability of those seeking out their identities and remaining so incredibly GOOD in the face of all the corruption and evil that the world spills out upon them. "An Ordinary Wonder" has that same celebration of unbreakable love and friendship and beauty in a world that is often ugly and unkind.
This book is powerful, this story is necessary. And I for one will read anything that Papillon writes in the future, because I don't expect to ever read a story like this one ever again. This book is an absolute marvel, an ordinary wonder.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, and Violence
raynatuina's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A beautifully and harrowing (rightfully so) read in the best, most needed, of ways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, Rape, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Bullying
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