An Ordinary Wonder

An Ordinary Wonder is a spellbinding tale that prompts deep reflection around concepts of gender and identity. Buki Papillion’s writing has a vivid beauty that kept me enthralled throughout – Angela Chadwick
Beautifully and delicately written, I felt a range of emotions while reading it. Papillon is a scintillating storyteller. We need more stories like this! – Elizabeth Okoh
This brilliant and ultimately uplifting debut antidotes the hard realities of gender-based violence, secrecy and family estrangement with the transformative forces of Yoruba spirituality, intergenerational nurturing and queer forms of kinship. From all that’s foreclosed emerges a story of hope and optimism towards possible futures. Utterly stunning – Isabel Waidner
Papillon draws on African mythology and art to create a rich, moving and uplifting story * Stylist *
An Ordinary Wonder blew me away with its tender portrait of innocence, vulnerability and strength. Deftly, wisely, Papillon weaves together strands of history and identity which are too often separated. An Ordinary Wonder is nothing short of wonderful and anything but ordinary – Okechukwu Nzelu author of The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney
An Ordinary Wonder is a profoundly moving book, all the more so for featuring an unforgettable protagonist in Otolorin, who will captivate readers with her hope, humour and joy of life. Being in Otolorin’s company is never less than uplifting. Buki Papillon’s writing is wonderfully vivid, and she treats all her characters - even the villains in Otolorin’s family - with astonishing empathy – Elodie Harper
Entirely unique. In the face of prejudice and ignorance, An Ordinary Wonder sparkles with hope, insight, and humour – Abigail Dean
Highlights the limiting dangers of the gender binary, while also reminding us of the power storytelling has to help us envision a more expansive and inclusive world. * New York Times *
A captivating queer coming of age story…[an] important one; there aren’t many stories like Otolorin’s in bookstores right now * Refinery29 *
Delicate, emotional and beautiful… One you won’t be able to put down * News 24 *
A terrific coming-of-age story exploring complex desires as well as what it means to feel whole * YNaija Books of the Year *

Buki Papillon was born in Nigeria, the oldest of six. After studying law at Hull University in the UK, she completed an MFA in Creative Writing at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. An Ordinary Wonder, her debut novel, has received glowing reviews and mentions in The New York Times, Ms. Magazine, Essence and Cosmopolitan UK, and is brilliantly narrated in audiobook by Bridgerton actor, Adjoa Andoh.

Buki has received several fellowships and awards for her writing and is an alumnus of Key West Literary, Vermont Studio Center and Vona Voices residencies and workshops. Her work was published in Post Road Magazine and The Del Sol Review. She has in the past been a travel adviser, events host and chef. Buki currently lives in Boston, where she is resigned to finding inspiration in the long winters.

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