Structure

Parallel Journeys is a nonfiction book that blends text from the author with passages taken from books written by Helen and Alfons. The author provides factual, substantive content that moves the story along and the inserts from Helen and Alfons add personal touches and perspectives. For example, in Chapter 3 the author provides information about the Nuremberg Party Congress and this provides solid information. However, by including verbiage from Alfons such as this, "You, my youth," he shouted, with his eyes seeming to stare right at me, "are our nation's most precious guarantee for a great future. You are destined to be the leaders of a glorious new order under National Socialism! You, my youth," he screamed hoarsely, "never forget that one day you will rule the world." This personal touch adds so much to the story and adds a sense of drama that would not be possible...