A review by xompeii
Parallel by Matthias Lehmann

emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Parallel by Matthias Lehmann is a compelling graphic novel that will slowly draw you in as the story unfolds. It’s heartbreaking at times, to read what happens to Karl. It takes place in post World War 2 Germany where being gay was still illegal. It is the story of a man hiding his gay relationships to try and keep himself safe. He’s a morally gray character, he marries twice, but those relationships fall apart because he can’t fully commit to being the kind of man he knows he’s not. While the art style is not what I usually look for in a graphic novel it lends an element of emotion to the story we wouldn’t get from a traditional novel.

I think it’s an important read to remember what was going on during that time period, and to compare it to what’s happening now. It’s a reminder of just how far we’ve come and just how much we have to loose. 

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