The Strange And Beautiful Sorrows Of Ava Lavender (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
I heard nothing but amazing things about this novel. The premise sold me. But when I first started reading this book, I didn't think it was that good. And then I kept reading. This story definitely kept me reading and reading until I finally turned the last page.This is such a whimsical and lovely tale, told by Ava Lavender, the girl born with wings. It's about the story of three women, three generations, three different lives.I loved how the story of Ava, her mother Viviane and her grandmother Emelienne was woven so nicely together. Each of their stories were tragic in their own way. But also so, so beautiful.The writing was poetic and simply beautiful. I couldn't help but feel with each of the characters and I understood why each of the women was strange in their own way.It was definitely one of my favorite reads from 2014 so far. I couldn't help but practically inhale this book in two sittings. I want to reread it some time next year or the year after that and enjoy it more thoroughly. I don't want to miss anything and relive this beautiful, yet tragic story once more. I want to relish it more because although I couldn't stop reading it, I also didn't want it to end.I'm in awe of this wonderful story and I cannot wait to see what the author will write next. After finishing this one, I went to the bookstore this morning for my next book. After spending two hours perusing the shelves I was left with a feeling of dread that I wouldn't find anything half as good as this book.When I bought this book I was just looking for something to start off my Summer reading and didn't really expect it to be as entertaining as it was (entertaining is an under-statement.) It is both brilliantly paced and masterfully written. I just want to take my copy, run down the street and tell everyone to read it! This is damn-good story-telling.As the title points out Ava lavender is the narrator in this debut page-turner. The thing that makes Ava book-worthy is the fact that she was born with bird-like wings along with a very peculiar twin brother whom at first appears to be mute. The story chronicles Ava's family tree, each and every one as strange as the next. Strange in circumstance of birth, life and more importantly love - it being the central theme. There were so many things I loved about this book. I loved all of the characters because I was able to relate to all of them in some way. I loved the lyrical and imaginative way Ms Walton speaks of the male characters (so much so that I happened to fall in love with one of them). I loved the richly detailed history of their family tree and how it just comes to show the big part our ancestors play in our present lives. We are our history.If you are a hopeless romantic scorned by love this book is for you, but it is also for you if you are simply looking for a beautiful, original, richly textured story.That is all I'm going to say. I'm not good at writing reviews, but I had to say something about this book. I will never ever forget it.
What do You think about The Strange And Beautiful Sorrows Of Ava Lavender (2014)?
This is possibly the most Candlewick-est book ever.
—Bertha
The life history of Ava Lavender, girl with wings.
—David
