This review is in exchange for an advanced copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Given the current plague of anti-trans laws being forced on the people of the United States, I only wish this book would have gotten it's English translation sooner.

Parallel is a graphic novel which gives a unique look into the life of a gay man named Karl Kling during post-WWII Germany. The story is told through a letter written to his estranged daughter in the 1980's, in an attempt to reconnect with her.

Due to anti-homosexuality laws and social stigmas, Karl believes he must have a family. He is unable to ignore his desires and we are shown that it is not only the gay person who is harmed by such laws and social norms.

This is a story of tragedy and loneliness, and it is sadly a story that many still live today. We must move past this need to make others in our own image. In 2023, I should not be able to compare our current society to a story of post-WWII Germany.