Annabel

An “absorbing... beautifully written” debut about the trials of growing up unique in a restrictive environment (The New York Times Book Review). Shortlisted for the Orange Prize in Fiction, this “enchanting” literary gem explores the courage to unveil one’s true self in a culture that shuns contradiction (The New Yorker).

In 1968, in a remote part of Canada, a child is born—a baby who appears to be neither fully boy nor girl, but both at once. Only three people share the secret: the baby’s parents and a trusted neighbour. Together, the adults make the difficult choice of deciding the gender for themselves and raise the child as a boy named Wayne.

But as Wayne grows up, his shadow-self, a girl he thinks of as Annabel, is never entirely extinguished, and indeed is secretly nurtured by the women in his life. As Wayne approaches adulthood, and its emotional and physical demands, the woman inside him begins to cry out. The changes that follow are momentous not just for him, but for the three adults who have guarded his secret.

"A compelling, gracefully written novel about mixed gender that sheds insight as surely as it rejects sensationalism. This book announces the arrival of a major writer."  -  Kirkus Reviews

Haunting, sweeping in scope, and stylistically reminiscent of Jeffrey Eugenides Middlesex, Annabel is a compelling tale about one person's struggle to discover the truth about their birth and self in a culture that shuns contradiction. 

"[An] aching tale of... identity, acceptance and family... Fluid and poised...  Annabel is a stunning and stirring debut that signals the long-overdue arrival of a literary talent."  -   The Chronicle Herald (Canada)

Orange Prize Nominee for Fiction Shortlist (2011)