The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton follows the story of Ava Lavender, a girl born with wings, as she uncovers her unique family history marked by sorrow and misfortune. The narrative explores Ava's quest to understand her identity and the magical realism that surrounds her lineage, weaving together the tales of her mother, Viviane, and grandmother, Emilienne. Throughout her journey, Ava struggles with isolation, longing for freedom, and the complexities of love.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Fantastical

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

44,019 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Leslye Walton's The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender dazzles with its poetic prose and magical realism, captivating readers with a multi-generational tale of love and loss. While praised for its lyrical quality and rich character development, some find the narrative pacing uneven. Overall, it's a hauntingly beautiful debut.

Who Should Read The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender?

Readers who delight in lyrical prose and magical realism, similar to One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez or The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, will be enchanted by The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton. This novel weaves a poignant tale of love, loss, and family legacy.

4.2

44,019 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender was Leslye Walton's debut novel, which was published in 2014 and quickly gained critical acclaim for its unique blend of magical realism and lyrical prose.

The novel received a nomination for the prestigious William C. Morris Award, which honors a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens, indicating its significant impact in the young adult literary genre.

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The ethereal and whimsical cover art of the book often draws attention for its beauty, reflecting the novel's exploration of extraordinary themes and enhancing its appeal to a broad audience.

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Book Details

Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

Fantasy

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Modern Classic Fiction

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Historical Fiction

Setting