61 pages 2 hours read

Eleanor H. Ayer

Parallel Journeys

Nonfiction | Biography | YA | Published in 1995

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Parallel Journeys by Eleanor Ayer intertwines the lives of Alfons Heck, a fervent member of the Hitler Youth, and Helen Waterford, a Jewish woman who experiences the horrors of the Holocaust, illustrating the profound impacts of Nazism on individuals from both empowered and persecuted groups. The narrative culminates in their unexpected collaboration to promote understanding and reconciliation in later years. This book centers on the Holocaust and World War II and includes the violent, deadly traumas associated with genocide and global conflict.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Parallel Journeys by Eleanor H. Ayer has been praised for its compelling dual narrative structure, vividly portraying the contrasting experiences of a young Jewish girl and a Hitler Youth boy during WWII. While some readers found the alternating perspectives enlightening, others felt the transitions were occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's a powerful educational read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Parallel Journeys?

A reader who would enjoy Parallel Journeys by Eleanor H. Ayer is likely interested in World War II history, personal narratives, and the Holocaust. Comparable to fans of The Diary of Anne Frank and Elie Wiesel’s Night, this book appeals to those drawn to compelling, true stories of survival and the contrasting experiences of two individuals during the war.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Topics

History: European

Education

Military / War

Period

WWII / World War II

Holocaust

Themes

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger

Life/Time: Mortality & Death

Genre

Education

Biography