Parallel Lives: The Power of Simply Being There

A Story of Friendship, War and Resilience

When Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Tetyana's life in Lviv changes overnight. Air raid sirens, uncertainty, and concern for loved ones on the frontline become part of everyday reality. In Amsterdam, her friend Marlon reaches out with a simple question: "How are you and your family?" Their exchange marks the beginning of a remarkable conversation that continues through years of upheaval, loss, resilience, and change.

Drawn from four years of messages, Parallel Lives chronicles the lived experience of war through the eyes of two women whose lives unfold in parallel yet profoundly different circumstances. As they share their fears, hopes, challenges, and small victories, their correspondence becomes a space of refuge, understanding, and mutual support.

Part memoir, part testimony, and part celebration of human connection, Parallel Lives offers an intimate perspective on wartime Ukraine while exploring universal themes of friendship, courage, sisterhood, grief, and healing. It is a story about the power of being present for one another and how compassion can endure even in the most difficult times.

Tetyana Struk is a Ukrainian entrepreneur based in Lviv, working in international development and cultural advocacy. She began her career in translation and localisation, founding and leading a language services company. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, her work has focused on international cooperation and development for humanitarian, public, and private sectors. Through her family initiative, Struk. Music. Art. Emotions, she also creates and develops cultural projects. Parallel Lives is co-authored with Marlon Huysmans.

Marlon Huysmans is a Dutch entrepreneur, strategic adviser and leadership coach based in Amsterdam. She works in the construction sector, advising leaders, boards and organisations on strategy, leadership and change. Her advisory work focuses on creating places that are purposeful, sustainable and socially meaningful and supporting individuals and organisations seeking to renew and evolve in times of transition.Parallel Lives is co-authored with Tetyana Struk.