The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender Summary & Key Insights

Leslye Walton's "The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender" follows the extraordinary life of Ava Lavender, a young woman born with wings. This unusual birth marks her as different, forever setting her apart in a world that both fascinates and fears her. The novel unfolds as a multi-generational saga, tracing the lineage of Ava's family and revealing the source of her unique feature.

Central to the narrative is the Lavender family, who are plagued by a recurring curse – the inheritance of physical and emotional peculiarities through the generations. The family's history is intertwined with the mysterious circumstances surrounding Ava's birth, particularly the role of her grandmother, Vivienne, and her enigmatic, possibly supernatural connection to the moon. Vivienne, a strong and unconventional woman, possesses a deep understanding of the family's past and her own unique "sorrows." She acts as a guiding figure for Ava, though often shrouded in secrecy.

Ava's parents, Julian and Margaret, initially struggle to accept their daughter's wings, fearing societal judgment and the potential for harm. While Julian remains somewhat distant and apprehensive, Margaret's love is unconditional. She provides Ava with the support she needs to navigate the complexities of growing up with wings, yet still grapples with the weight of the family's inherited oddities.

As Ava grows, her wings become a symbol of both her beauty and her isolation. She experiences moments of joy and freedom, soaring above the mundane world, but also endures periods of intense loneliness and prejudice. Her wings are not merely a physical anomaly; they represent her unique perspective and her connection to a larger, more mystical reality. She struggles to understand her own identity and place in the world, constantly questioning what it means to be "normal."

Throughout the novel, Ava forms significant relationships that shape her understanding of love, loss, and self-acceptance. She falls in love with Henry, a man who embraces her uniqueness and accepts her for who she is, defying the expectations of a society uncomfortable with her otherness. However, her journey is fraught with challenges, including dealing with prejudice and the ever-present shadow of the family curse.

The overarching themes of the novel explore the beauty of difference, the power of familial legacy, and the search for self-identity. Walton utilizes magical realism to portray the extraordinary within the ordinary, examining how society responds to those who deviate from the norm. The story ultimately celebrates the uniqueness of every individual, encouraging readers to embrace their own "strange and beautiful sorrows" and find strength in their individuality. The novel concludes with Ava finding peace and acceptance, not necessarily eradicating the family curse, but embracing her heritage and its inherent eccentricities.