The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender | TheBookSeekers

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender


No. of pages 320

Published: 2014

Great for age 12-18 years

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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 Avas journey and her familys saga reaches a devastating crescendo.

 

 

This book is the winner of numerous awards

This book has been graded for interest at 14 years.

There are 320 pages in this book.

It is aimed at Young Adult readers. The term Young Adult (YA) is used for books which have the following characteristics: (1) aimed at ages 12-18 years, US grades 7-12, UK school years 8-15, (2) around 50-75k words long, (3) main character is aged 12-18 years, (4) topics include self-reflection, internal conflict vs external, analyzing life and its meaning, (5) point of view is often in the first person, and (6) swearing, violence, romance and sexuality are allowed.

This book was published in 2014 by Walker Books Ltd .

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

 

This book has been nominated for the following award:

Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award - Regional Book
This book was recognised in the Regional Book category by the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award.

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 *