And both were young

"And Both Were Young" by Madeleine L'Engle is a coming-of-age story about Philippa Hunter, or Flip, a young girl grappling with loss and self-discovery at a Swiss boarding school in the mid-20th century; struggling with homesickness after her mother's death and resenting her father's companion, Eunice, Flip seeks independence and artistic expression, finding an unexpected connection with a boy named Paul Laurens near Lake Geneva. The picturesque setting of Chateau de Chillon highlights Flip’s internal battles as she navigates feelings of isolation, yearning for her father while striving to stay true to herself amidst the challenges of adolescence and strict boarding school rules, as her chance meeting with Paul sparks a journey of friendship and solace in a world that feels restrictive.