61 pages • 2 hours read
Eleanor H. AyerParallel Journeys
Nonfiction | Biography | YA | Published in 1995A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.