Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disabled Achiever – Eddie Ndopu

This memoir would not have been on my radar had it not been for Libro.fm, and I’m grateful for the introduction to Eddie Ndopu, a South African disability rights advocate primarily focused on educational rights for children with disabilities living in developing countries. 

Ndopu was lucky to have a single mother and countless friends to advocate for his journey through education, ultimately culminating with him being the first African student with degenerative disabilities admitted to a University of Oxford master’s program on scholarship. 

Despite the acknowledgment, acceptance and celebration of the diversity he brought to the university, Ndopu encountered daily struggles with professional caregivers — a cost burden that almost derailed his education — and an indifferent administration that viewed the ways he experienced inaccessibility as a mere inconvenience rather than an attack on his life. 

Descriptive writing — delivered through his one good finger — paired with well-placed curse words and Ndopu’s flair for the flamboyant, brought his journey at Oxford to life in vivid detail. While he presents scenario after scenario of him being treated as less than by “Uprights,” this isn’t about sour grapes. 

Instead the author uses his personal experiences to educate, inspire and recognize those that have helped him. My main takeaway is that anyone can serve as a support system for a disabled friend, neighbor or acquaintance and by doing so you will open up their world in meaningful ways. 

Black, queer and disabled perspectives do not often find themselves in the mainstream, so I’m glad this one is available, but I was also a bit let down that Ndopu didn’t share too much about his experiences navigating these intersecting identities.  

The audiobook was narrated by Ndopu and by the end he felt like an old friend. Given the title, I expected it to have humor and heart, and the author didn’t disappoint with the text or narration. 

If you’re seeking diverse perspectives, this is a great read as it not only provides a contained and personal story but provides ideas for how to be an advocate and ally. I’d also highly recommend Rebekah Taussig’s “Sitting Pretty” and Nyle DiMarco’s “Deaf Utopia,” which are memoirs that explore more macro ideas of navigating disability in the able-bodied world.

Thank you to Libro.fm, Hachette Audio and the author for an advanced listener copy. This exchange of goods has not influenced my review. 

Rating (story): 4/5 stars

Rating (narration): 3/5 stars

Format: Audiobook (personal library)

Dates read: July 11 – July 16, 2023

Multi-tasking: Good to go. Ndopu keeps his story tight and easy to follow.