The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

by Leslye Walton
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender cover
Good Books rating 3.69
Magical Realism
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Paperback • £7.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1086
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781406357738
  • Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
  • Published: 2014-10-01
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

Ava Lavender is no ordinary girl; she was born with the wings of a bird, a trait that sets her apart from the world around her. Her family's history is filled with love stories that have led to both joy and sorrow, and Ava is determined to avoid the same fate. However, when pious Nathaniel Sorrows mistakes her wings for those of an angel, Ava finds herself entangled in his growing obsession. The story unfolds during a summer solstice celebration, where rain and feathers fill the air, symbolizing the magical and mysterious forces at play in Ava's life. The novel is a rich tapestry of magical realism, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary. It explores themes of love, family, and the consequences of obsession. Ava's journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, as she learns to embrace her unique identity and navigate the complexities of the world around her. The narrative is both enchanting and poignant, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are beautifully blurred.

Reviews
NZ Booklovers · 2017-12-23
haunting 4.50

The book is haunting and beautifully written, offering a poignant and lyrical reading experience.

This reviewer is deeply moved by the haunting and beautiful nature of the book. They highlight the poignant storytelling and the lyrical prose that makes the reading experience unforgettable. The book's ability to transport the reader to another world is particularly praised. The emotional depth and the way the story unfolds are seen as its strongest points.

Quick quotes

    Haunting, beautiful, poignant, The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender transports the reader to another, more lyrical, plain.

    The prose is lush and evocative, drawing the reader in from the very first page.

    It’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

The Northernist · 2017-03-11
dark 3.00

They found the book deeply sad and dark, with themes that are heavy and haunting.

This review emphasizes the dark and heavy themes present in the book, making it a challenging read. The reviewer notes the prevalence of death, suicide, and ghosts, which create a somber atmosphere throughout. While the story is haunting and beautiful, it is also incredibly sad, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. The review highlights the emotional weight of the narrative, which may not be suitable for those seeking a lighter read.

Quick quotes

    This novel is very sad and its themes are extremely dark.

    The whole book is full of death, and there are instances of suicide, murder, ghosts.

    The story is haunting and beautiful, but also incredibly sad.

Claire Huston · Claire Huston · 2016-02-08
mixed 3.50

There is a lot to like, but not enough to love. The prose is beautiful, but the story feels somewhat uneven.

Claire Huston found much to appreciate in the book, particularly the lyrical prose and the unique storytelling. However, they felt that the narrative was somewhat uneven, with moments of brilliance interspersed with parts that didn't fully resonate. The reviewer acknowledges the beauty of the writing but notes that the story lacks the emotional depth to make it a truly unforgettable read.

Quick quotes

    A lot to like, but not enough to love.

    The blurb: Foolish love appears to be the Roux family birthright, an ominous forecast.

    The prose is beautiful, but the story feels somewhat uneven.

The Guardian · 2015-12-12
captivating 3.75

The story is unique and captivating, with a blend of magical realism and emotional depth. It explores themes of love and family in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.

The reviewer was drawn to the unique and captivating nature of the story, which blends magical realism with deep emotional exploration. They appreciate how the narrative weaves together themes of love and family in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. The reviewer also highlights the emotional impact of the story, noting its ability to evoke strong feelings and leave a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    The story was a unique one, and reading the plot description I was both excited and nervous.

    It's a tale that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.

    The blend of magical realism and emotional depth makes this a standout narrative.

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