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The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

Leslye Walton

$16.99

Paperback

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English
Walker Books
01 April 2015
"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."

By:  
Imprint:   Walker Books
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 198mm,  Width: 129mm,  Spine: 19mm
Weight:   225g
ISBN:   9781406357738
ISBN 10:   1406357731
Pages:   320
Publication Date:  
Recommended Age:   From 14 years
Audience:   Young adult ,  General/trade ,  Preschool (0-5) ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

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.

Reviews for The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

Entrancing and sumptuously written. (Publishers Weekly, starred review) This fantasy follows Ava Lavender's discovery of her one-of-a-kind self. (Teen Vogue Recommended Read) Absolutely mesmerizing... This book is a wonder and completely took my breath away. (Once Upon a Bookcase)


  • Short-listed for Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2015 (UK)
  • Short-listed for Waterstones Children's Book Prize: Teen Books Category 2015
  • Short-listed for Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2015 (UK)
  • Shortlisted for Waterstones Children's Book Prize: Teen Books Category 2015.

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