I started writing this book review and in my happiness and out of the spirit of my love, it grew wings and flew away. Okay, actually, I just lost the review because my computer crashed but, you know, same thing. At least they are in The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender, a book so quirky and magical that you’ll immediately fall in love with it.
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is about a girl born with wings and her tragic family history, which is long and highly reminiscent of a magical fairytale. Infact, the sense you get from reading the story is that Ava’s wings are the most normal thing in the story since everything else is so fantastical. The further you go back into Ava’s family history, the more steeped in mythos it is. Not unlike a bubble bath, TSaBSoAL is wonderful, fun and saddening to read. Saddening when you run out of it, you see. And it makes you kind of excitable and obsessive.
My bubbles!
This book is kind of like an angler fish. Reeling you in with its whimsical mastery only to betray you with it’s heartbreak and torment. Oh look! It’s a pretty light! Isn’t it so wonderfu- OH MY GOD THE SADS! THE SADS GOT ME! TELL MY FAMILY I LOVE THEM.
If you haven’t picked up this book yet, or you were thrown by the weird name, do it. Embrace that weird and wonderfulness. I can almost guarantee you’ll love it.
Lauren @ Bookmark Lit
Gah I wish I felt the same way about this one! I think the audiobook narrator ruined it a little for me, but I was so bored with the entire family history. The magical, weird parts were pretty interesting… but ugh otherwise it didn’t do the trick. Hope others enjoy it though!
Joy @ The Bookshelf Intruder
I think I saw this in a bookstore a few months ago. I remember seeing the cover and liking it, but I’ve been in the bookstore for more than an hour so I had to go. I never saw it again, and this is actually the first review of it that I’ve encountered. Glad to know that you liked it. I have a feeling I will like it, too. 🙂
Rebecca @ The Library Canary
I’ve read a lot of really good reviews for this one. I love the whole idea of magical realism and haven’t really read any books that fit into this genre so I’m definitely going to have to check it out. Also, I’m in love with the cover because anything with feathers is beautiful! 🙂
Steph Sinclair
I knew you would love this.
Joy @ Thoughts By J
I absolutely adored this book as well, and it truly opened my eyes to the beautiful world of magical realism. This is one of the only 5 star reads I’ve had this year, so glad you enjoyed it Kat! xx
Alreem
wow nice review, i only bought this book last week from the book stor and i’m really glad that i did, thanks for the review 😀