The Strange And Beautiful Sorrows Of Ava Lavender (Leslye Walton)

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.