The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender cover
Good Books rating 3.83

Technical:
  • ID: 1086
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-09-25
  • ISBN: 9780763665661
  • Publisher: Candlewick Press
  • Published: 2014-03-25
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 3
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Ava Lavender is born with the wings of a bird, a peculiarity that sets her apart from her family and peers. As she grows up, she becomes increasingly curious about her unusual nature and the secrets of her family's past. Her grandmother, a woman with a tragic history of love and loss, and her mother, who has her own share of heartaches, both contribute to the complex tapestry of Ava's life. Ava's journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, as she navigates the challenges of fitting in and understanding her place in the world. The novel is a beautifully written exploration of family, love, and the search for identity. It blends elements of magical realism with a deeply emotional narrative, creating a story that is both enchanting and poignant. Ava's story is one that will resonate with readers, as it delves into the universal themes of belonging and the search for meaning in a world that often feels incomprehensible.

Reviews
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.

remarkable 4.25

The book is a remarkable debut, showcasing the author's talent for magical realism. It is both haunting and beautiful, with a unique narrative style.

The reviewer was amazed that this is the author's debut, praising the skillful use of magical realism and the haunting beauty of the narrative. They found the story to be both unique and compelling, with a narrative style that sets it apart from other works in the genre. The reviewer also highlights the emotional depth and the way the story lingers in the mind long after reading.


Quick quotes

    The first, and most obvious, thing to say about this book, is how amazed I am that this is Walton's debut.

    Whether magical realism works for you or not, you can't deny that this is a unique and compelling narrative.

    The story lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.