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, sixteen-year-old 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.
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.
Ages 12+
Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
This is one of the times when a title matches the actual novel itself perfectly - as this was indeed a strange tale, but a beautifully told one at that. The story flowed almost like a river, with each sentence gently cascading towards the next in a melodic style, which was a delight to read. It is not often that I find a book so seamless in its execution, with some of the lines even giving me goosebumps because it was so good. This is a unique story of Ava's family history, and how she found her wings to be both a blessing and a curse. Told with an artistic flair and stunning imagery throughout, there is no doubt that I will be looking out for more books by Leslye Walton in the future. To write something as amazing as this one is certainly a measure of true writer talent. Reviewed by Eugenia Alabasinis
Guest, 29/07/2014
