I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton Series: Standalone
Published by Candlewick Press on 25th March 2014
Pages: 301
Genres: Magical Realism, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Amazon・ Good Books・Book Depository
Goodreads
Trigger Warning: Sexual AssaultMagical realism, lyrical prose, and the pain and passion of human love haunt this hypnotic generational saga.
Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast for its most recent progeny, Ava Lavender. Ava—in all other ways a normal girl—is born with the wings of a bird.
In a quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to fit in with her peers, sixteen-year old Ava ventures into the wider world, ill-prepared for what she might discover and naïve to the twisted motives of others. Others like the pious Nathaniel Sorrows, who mistakes Ava for an angel and whose obsession with her grows until the night of the Summer Solstice celebration.
That night, the skies open up, rain and feathers fill the air, and Ava’s quest and her family’s saga build to a devastating crescendo.
First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology of what it means to be born with hearts that are tragically, exquisitely human.
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.
Kat Kennedy
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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!
Lauren @ Bookmark Lit recently posted…Random Bookish Thoughts: Growing Pains
Joy @ The Bookshelf Intruder
Twitter: akoposijoy
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. 🙂
Joy @ The Bookshelf Intruder recently posted…It’s my birthday and I’m giving away books!
Rebecca @ The Library Canary
Twitter: LibraryCanary
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! 🙂
Rebecca @ The Library Canary recently posted…Review: Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers
Steph Sinclair
Twitter: Cuddlebuggery
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
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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 😀
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