I’m working my way through L’Engle’s entire fiction body of work over the coming months by purchasing used copies of each title. I’ll provide a synopsis of each title as I finish, and I will share my impressions – but, I have a strong personal bias toward Ms. L’Engle’s work, so my reviews are not particularly objective. (But really, are they ever?)

This YA novel is the story of Philippa Hunter’s time at a Swiss boarding school, shortly after WWII. Its first publication in 1949 was edited to remove the publisher’s perceived references to death and sex, and the 1983 edition added those omitted sections back to the story.

Philippa’s mother has recently died and her father is now dating (or what passes for dating in a L’Engle novel). This is a true coming of age story as Philippa (“Flip”) meets a boy, learns how to make friends, develops new skills, and generally matures. There isn’t much more to say about the story; I was mainly drawn to the book – and engrossed in it – because Ms. L’Engle wrote it, and because it’s authentic mid-century fiction, my favorite genre. I’ll give it four stars for nostalgia, but honestly it’s probably a respectable three-star book. ( )

I've finished another reading of this 1949 young adult novel, my third time since I first read it at twelve. (Mind you, I've only read the 1983 edition, which includes some original story elements, like Flip's grief over her mother's death, that the author once had to leave out, due to their taboo nature for young people's fiction in the '40s.) I remembered certain parts of this postwar story but forgot major aspects of the plot twice, so it's been both a familiar but fresh reread for me each time.

Even given Paul's role though, I wouldn't call this novel a romance. The story focuses on Flip's overall experiences at boarding school, not mostly or solely her romantic ones.

Granted, it's funny, as I do remember my adolescent self thinking of Paul as so mature and "dreamy," and Flip's interaction with him seemed like such a grown-up thing. But as my adult self read about these two teens once again, it was like, "Oh. Gee. And both were young."

Still, besides the aspect of young love, I can see why I've been so drawn by this rather peculiar story every time. It's the shy, nonathletic, unpopular heroine. A different, sensitive girl. An artist. Someone who struggles and has to try all the harder to make it in a social environment with her classmates, so her every triumph in school—whether major or minor—is that much sweeter.

It's uplifting to watch how Flip learns and grows, and hey. The novel's handling of Christmas, my absolute favorite holiday, is pretty wonderful. My nostalgic self is rather sure I'll remember much more about the story after this third time. ( )

Madeleine L'Engle is one of my all time favorite authors. Both her characters and storylines are thoughtful, well written and intriguing. She writes books that I can read again and again. This particular novel is one of my absolute favorites and I have enjoyed it both as a written book and as an audio too. ( )

This book, written in 1949, while the effects of WWII were still fresh, has it all for the middle school reader: Swiss boarding school, some drama, and a little romance. Flip (Philippa) Hunter reluctantly enrolls at a Swiss boarding school at the recommendation of a woman whom she insists "lusts after" her itinerant artist father. Not surprisingly, relationships of all kinds (friendly, romantic, filial) develop as Flip comes to know her surroundings, her peers and herself better. The story is a well-told treat.

However, because it was written so long ago, the content is tame by today's standards--Flip's mother died a year ago, which is tragic, but we are not enjoined to relive the gory details of the accident. Flip's sneaking out to meet the mysterious boy entail skiing forays & hot cocoa by the lodge fire for a relationship is one of fondness and friendship. The boarding school is strict but not inhumane, populated by girls who, while they can be catty initially, are human and not merciless bullies.

Here is the description of Flip's first flush of love: "And he wants to see me again! she thought exultantly. He's not frightening the way I always thought being alone with a boy would be. It was just like talking to anyone, only nicer, and he wants to see me again!" (p. 87)

All of this is to say that "And Both Were Young" is a pleasure, exciting without being lurid or titillating, and just the dreamy read lots of kids are after. Find the 2010 Farrar Straus & Giroux edition with the sweet cover to match. ( )

This book, written in 1949, while the effects of WWII were still fresh, has it all for the middle school reader: Swiss boarding school, some drama, and a little romance. Flip (Philippa) Hunter reluctantly enrolls at a Swiss boarding school at the recommendation of a woman whom she insists "lusts after" her itinerant artist father. Not surprisingly, relationships of all kinds (friendly, romantic, filial) develop as Flip comes to know her surroundings, her peers and herself better. The story is a well-told treat.

However, because it was written so long ago, the content is tame by today's standards--Flip's mother died a year ago, which is tragic, but we are not enjoined to relive the gory details of the accident. Flip's sneaking out to meet the mysterious boy entail skiing forays & hot cocoa by the lodge fire for a relationship is one of fondness and friendship. The boarding school is strict but not inhumane, populated by girls who, while they can be catty initially, are human and not merciless bullies.

Here is the description of Flip's first flush of love: "And he wants to see me again! she thought exultantly. He's not frightening the way I always thought being alone with a boy would be. It was just like talking to anyone, only nicer, and he wants to see me again!" (p. 87)

All of this is to say that "And Both Were Young" is a pleasure, exciting without being lurid or titillating, and just the dreamy read lots of kids are after. Find the 2010 Farrar Straus & Giroux edition with the sweet cover to match. ( )