The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

<p><b>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 (<i>Teen Vogue</i>).</b><br><br>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 <i>New York Times </i>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 <i>Chocolat </i>by Joanne Harris. <br><br>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 &#150; 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&#146;s journey and her family&#146;s saga reaches a devastating crescendo.</p>