Parallel Lines - by Ruth Marks Eglash (Paperback)

About the Book

Parallel Lines examines the internal and external tensions faced by teenagers everywhere as our world becomes increasingly polarized. In Jerusalem, where the intractable conflict is centuries old, the divisions are particularly acute.

Book Synopsis

"Vivid, powerful, and impressive." -Jewish Chronicle

"Riveting and well-crafted." -The Jerusalem Report

Imagine coming of age surrounded by terror and militancy. Tamar, Nour, and Rivki all live in Jerusalem, and all are on the cusp of adulthood, but in a city of tribal culture and an intractable conflict, it is almost inconceivable they will ever meet, let alone become friends. Then, one night, during yet another cycle of violence, their paths cross just as a terrorist decides to carry out an attack on the light rail train.

Parallel Lines explores the devastating emotional and physical toll of war, ethnic conflict, and religious codes on young people growing up in the holy city. This fictional account of Jerusalem's unholy conflict captures the pain and angst from all sides through the eyes of three unlikely heroines.

Review Quotes

"Eglash explores these tensions head on in scenes that deal with harassment, interracial dating, extremism, racism, and terrorism. While keeping an even-handed tone, the book skillfully depicts the stories of young people confronting the problem of how to live in a violent and conflicted society while at the same time, trying to work out the fine points of their own identities." -NY Journal of Books

"Ruth Marks Eglash is a world-class storyteller who has used her top journalistic skills to bring the complex city of Jerusalem and its diverse population to life." -Yaakov Katz, former Jerusalem Post editor and author of Shadow Strike

"Vivid, powerful, and impressive." -Jake Wallis Simons, Editor, Jewish Chronicle

"Riveting and well-crafted." -Steve Linde, Editor, The Jerusalem Report

"A powerful work and an impressive achievement." -Dorit Rabinyan, author of All the Rivers