Eleanor Ayer Parallel Journeys

Parallel Journeys
Parallel Journeys by Eleanor Ayer follows Helen, an innocent Jewish woman, and Alfons, an unknowing Aryan boy. Both of whom were German citizens who lived through the events of the Holocaust. While Helen was shipped off to the Auschwitz death camp, Alfons met the face of the Nazi organization. One story filled with glory, another filled with fear. Despite living through the same horrible World War Two epoch, Helen’s and Alfons’ experiences differed greatly.
A majority of Helen’s life was a disaster, yet the true physical pain began on September 3, 1944. On this day, Helen and her husband, Siegfried, were loaded onto a crowded train car that would take them to the living hell known as Auschwitz. The darkness of the car could

not hide the abominable situation. The feeling of flesh plastered against flesh was merely enchanted by the putrid smell. “Restless people called out for the guards, but no one ever answered,”(Ayer 107). Eventually soldiers entered to strip the passengers of their fountain pens, watches, and money. For Helen, the soldiers stole more than just her valuables, they stole her hope.
Meanwhile Alfons Heck was drowning in power. He was the peak of humanity and the world was laying at his feet. After boarding a camouflaged train, he was met by a group of Hitlerjugend leaders and Albert Speer, a powerful member of the Nazi community. Speer promised victory if the Allies were stopped at the West Wall. Shortly after, he introduced Alfons to Adolf Hitler. "When he began to speak, his pale blue eyes seem to bore directly into mine,”(Ayer 120). The connection Alfons forged that day secured his loyalty and renewed his determination.
While Helen's and Alfons’ experiences were drastically different they shared one common feature. The loss or renewal of hope. Four letters can be the difference between life and death. Since Helen lost her hope she was able to blend in with her fellow prisoners. “By staying invisible, by being nothing more than the number tattooed on your forearm, you stood a chance of living longer.”(Ayer 129) The heroism she lacked saved her life. Similarly, Alfons’ hope saved his life. Without hope, Alfons would have not been loyal to the Nazis. Without his loyalty, Alfons would not have a earned his high rank. Without his high rank, Alfons would have been one of the many forgotten children lost in the War.
In the end, World War Two affected all participants. Helen would be plagued by terror for the remainder of her life and Alfons would be haunted by his naivety.