Review: The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava LavenderThe Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A dreamy, historical fiction-ish magically-realistic novel about a family of supernaturals who move from France to Manhattan, and then out to Seattle in the early days of the 20th century. I kind of zipped through it, and think that it is more of a book to savor, like the delectable bakery treats Emilienne makes.

Emilienne is the family matriarch, who settles in Seattle and makes a life for herself after her husband dies. Everyone thinks she's a witch--and there are some strange things about her. Her grandaughter Ava is even stranger--she has magnificent wings like an angel. When a new man comes to town he becomes obsessed with her and sets a tragedy in motion.

The writing style is beautiful, just like Ava's wings, and the details of this magical world will stay with you long after you close the book.

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