Number of pages: 301
Number of times read (including the time before this review): 1
Rating (out of five stars): 3
I’m not sure what I expected from a book about a girl with wings, but it certainly wasn’t what I got. I’m not disappointed; I think there is something with magical realism that simply doesn’t click with me. I’m also not one for deep messages and hidden meanings behind everything in books. I am not going to pay attention to minute details just to figure out the ending (this is not a direct criticism of the book in question).
I think the thing that bothered me the most was how we didn’t meet the titular character until 100 pages into the book. I guess it was interesting to see two generations of background, but you would think the book would focus more on Ava Lavender herself. I didn’t really care for learning about her grandmother’s sister turning herself canary. It was strange details like that that forced me to have to read sentences 10 times. They are just brushed over as if it’s nothing.
Speaking of weird, it was a mix of too much weird with too little acknowledgement of how weird it really was. People spontaneously turning to blue ash; perfectly normal! Girls who don’t age; happens every day! It was so strange that a week later I still have no idea what happened at the end.
The book is set around the 1950s, but it felt a little too modern once Ava was born. Maybe the 1950s were really similar to now minus cell phones and laptops, but I’m not convinced.
On the plus side, this strange little book was incredibly well written with well-developed characters. No characters were mentioned arbitrarily; everyone played a role in the story, no matter how small. It fit what I assume is the message, and the setting of a small town well.
Overall, The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender was well-written, but didn’t click with me, earning 3 out of 5 stars.
As a side note, thank you to everyone who help bring For the Lover of Books to just over 50 followers, it means the world to me.
For the Lover of Books 
My friend just got this book, and I’ve been debating whether or not to add it to my list of books to borrow from her. However, I might be waiting on it now, because it seems a bit odd. XD It’s so weird to me that the character wouldn’t show up until 1/3 of the book. So weird. But interesting. I’m not sure what to do with it. And congrats on the followers! 😀 😀 Wonderful review!
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Thank you! It is a really strange, but well-written book.
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I thought about reading this and I’m so glad I read your review because NOPE. Magonia had enough magical realism and birds to leave me confused and angry for weeks (without the well-developed characters) and I just can’t imagine a repeat. I literally read that section of your review and burst out laughing cause the randomness sounds insufferable. I take my weird with a side of political chaos and nothing more, thanks.
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It certainly was strange.
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