The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

A mesmerizing, lyrical tale of the bright and dark sides of love and desire. First-time author Leslye Walton has constructed a layered and unforgettable mythology that "follows Ava Lavender's discovery of her one-of-a-kind self" (Teen Vogue).

Shortlisted for the 2015 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, Leslye Walton's stunning debut novel is "rich with lyrical and whimsical writing" (Kiera Cass, New York Times bestselling author of the Selection series). Magical realism is woven through this generational saga, creating a narrative reminiscent of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, with a taste of Chocolat by Joanne Harris.

Foolish love appears to be a Roux family birthright. And for Ava Lavender, a girl born with the wings of a bird, it is an ominous thing to inherit. In her quest to understand her peculiar disposition and a growing desire to join her peers, Ava ventures into the wider world. But it is a dangerous world for a naive girl – a world which may view her as girl or angel. On the night of the summer solstice celebration, the skies open up, rain and feathers fill the air and Ava’s journey and her family’s saga reaches a devastating crescendo.

Short-listed for Waterstones Children's Book Prize: Teen Books Category 2015

An almost operatic air. . . Walton’s beautiful prose captures perfectly the blurred boundaries between everyday primary suburban life and the fantastical elements of epic tales. . . A sorrowful tale that will haunt the reader. Inis Magazine
A powerful book that echoes long after the last page. Children’s Books Ireland Recommended Read
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. Reading Zone

Leslye Walton says that The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender began as a short story that came to her while listening to a song. She has an MA in Writing, and this is her first novel. Leslye Walton is a native of Tacoma, Washington, where she currently teaches at a high school.

@LeslyeWalton

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