A House Like a Lotus by Madeleine L’Engle

'Seventeen-year-old Polly can accept her dying patron's lesbianism until Max, overcome by pain and alcohol, attempts to seduce her. While on a working trip to Greece and Cyprus, previously arranged by Max, Polly learns what forgiveness and love really are. Polly is a remarkable heroine.' --Children's Book Review Service'Compelling.' --Starred, Booklist