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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Throughout the novel, Ava Lavender expresses her concerns and obsessions with what concept and its role in her life?
(a) Fate
(b) Terrorism
(c) Piety
(d) Revenge

2. How many times does the narrator say Emilienne Roux fell in love before her nineteenth birthday in Chapter 1?
(a) 2
(b) 1
(c) 3
(d) 4

3. What is the name of Ava Lavender’s twin brother in the novel?
(a) Henry Lavender
(b) Jack Lavender
(c) Gabe Lavender
(d) John Lavender

4. What creatures does the narrator describe Fatima Ines de Dores keeping as pets in Chapter 2?
(a) Goats
(b) Cats
(c) Geese
(d) Doves

5. Why is Jack Griffith deemed unfit for combat in the military in Chapter 6?
(a) Flat feet and bad eyesight
(b) Psychological instability
(c) Pigeon toes
(d) Epilepsy

Short Answer Questions

1. The narrator says in Chapter 4, “The neighborhood boys teased Jack mercilessly until learning that Viviane Lavender could” do what?

2. What is Mr. Cooper’s first name in the novel?

3. What is the name of the man that Emilienne marries and moves to Seattle with in Chapter 2?

4. What age has Viviane just turned in the beginning of Chapter 6?

5. Who is described in Chapter 13 as Cardigan’s “latest acquisition”?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the dog Trouver find his way into the home on the hill at Pinnacle Lane? What does Trouver’s name mean?

2. How does the community of Pinnacle Lane respond to the death of Connor Lavender in Chapter 3?

3. Where is Jack intending to attend school in Chapter 6? How does Jack feel about his prospects?

4. What uncommon phrases does Henry begin repeating in Chapter 13? Why?

5. How would you describe the narrative style of The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender?

6. How does the onset of World War II affect the Griffith home in Chapter 5?

7. How does Ava describe her birth in the novel’s Prologue? When and where was Ava born?

8. Who brings gifts to Ava and Henry when they are two? What happens to this character?

9. What was known by the community regarding the parentage of Viviane’s children, according to the narrator in Chapter 10?

10. What does Ava say she wishes and wonders about her mother when she was young in Chapter 4?

(see the answer keys)

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