Book cover of The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

Book description

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…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I love books where magic infuses the everyday world.

Ava Lavender is born with wings. That’s only one thing that sets her apart and makes her life difficult. She is the third generation of women in her family who are doomed in love. Like most that I love, this story asks what it means to be human, how we can protect those we love, and how we balance the need for freedom with safety.

No, neat conclusion at the end. Beautiful prose and unexpected metaphors fill this book. I’m a sucker for a good metaphor.

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