Parallel Journeys

Alfons has been in two documentaries, The Fatal Attraction of Adolf Hitler and Heil Hitler! Confessions of a Hitler Youth. Watch one of the films and put it in conversation with how Alfons and the Nazis appear in Parallel Journeys.

Discuss the structure of the book. In other words, how does Ayer organize her story to emphasize the parallel narratives of Alfons and Helen?

Anne Frank is one of the most famous figures of the Holocaust, and Helen sees her family when she arrives at Auschwitz. Research Anne’s story and explain how her experiences connect to themes like Power Versus Helplessness and Compassion Versus Hatred and Indifference.

There are countless other books about the Holocaust. Read one of the books—whether it’s Daniel’s Story or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas—and explain what it does and doesn’t have in common with Parallel Journeys.

To make the story powerful, Ayer, Alfons, and Helen use many literary devices, from imagery to dialogue to hyperbole. Select the devices that are integral to the story and tell how they help communicate its message.

In her introduction, Ayers alludes to genocides after the Holocaust. Research another genocide and explain how the traits that make the genocide possible are the same traits that made the Holocaust happen.

Unpack Helen’s choice to lecture with Alfons. Why does she embrace Alfons and why is his perspective necessary for understanding? Conversely, why is it understandable for other Holocaust survivors to be angry at her for working with Alfons?

Deconstruct Alfons as he appears in the book. How does Ayer make a Hitler Youth member likable and relatable? What does he do to keep himself redeemable? What doesn’t he do?