And Both Were Young

Two hearts. One winter. A love that defies loneliness. And Both Were Young, beloved author Madeleine L'Engle crafts a tender, emotionally rich story of transformation, healing, and first love. Phillipa “Flip” Hunter is miserable. Shipped off to a strict Swiss boarding school while still grieving the loss of her mother, she feels like an outsider among the polished, worldly students—and even more distant from her distant, emotionally closed-off father. Isolated and uncertain, Flip retreats into her sketchbook, longing to find her place in the world. Then comes Paul—a mysterious, brooding boy who’s also hiding scars of his own. Their friendship blossoms slowly into something deeper, as both struggle with their pasts and search for identity, belonging, and hope. Set against the backdrop of snowy mountains and shadowed memories of postwar Europe, their connection becomes a quiet rebellion against fear and loss. Poignant and romantic, And Both Were Young is a coming-of-age gem that explores the courage it takes to be seen—and loved—for who you truly are. About the Author: Madeleine L’Engle was a master of storytelling whose books continue to resonate across generations. Best known for her Newbery Medal–winning classic A Wrinkle in Time, L’Engle brought depth, imagination, and emotional insight to everything she wrote—whether it was science fiction, spiritual memoir, or young adult fiction like And Both Were Young. Drawing from her own experiences as a student in a Swiss boarding school and her deep empathy for young people navigating the complexities of growing up, L’Engle created characters that feel timeless and true. Her writing bridges intellect and heart, offering readers not just a story, but a journey of self-discovery and hope.