Cilka's Journey

Content Warning: This study guide contains depictions of genocide, rape, sexual assault, suicide, and drug addiction.

“Again, as she has experienced over and over in her young life, she finds herself with two choices: one, the narrow path opening up in front of her; the other, death.”

This passage epitomizes the start of Cilka Klein’s journey through suffering, struggle, and, ultimately, redemption. She is only 18, yet she has witnessed unspeakable horror and cruelty and will continue to do so during her time in Vorkuta. This passage also illustrates the internal conflict that haunts Cilka throughout the story, which stems from what she’s done to survive and the resulting guilt and shame.

“Immediately she looks to the ceiling for the telltale signs of showers. Will it be water or gas? Her relief at not seeing anything threatening is palpable and she holds onto Josie to steady herself. ‘Are you alright?’ Josie asks. ‘Yes, yes, I’m fine. I thought we might be going to have a shower.’ ‘I’d love a shower—it’s what we need.’”

Cilka’s fear of the showerheads at Vorkuta demonstrates the trauma that she carries with her from Auschwitz, where “showerheads” could be the source of poison gas. Because of her experience, she knows that seemingly everyday objects can in fact be agents of death. Thus, Cilka lives in a world where she questions everything she sees and trusts nothing. This distrust makes her stand out from the other prisoners, something she desperately tries to avoid.

“Cilka quickly moves over into the next line so she is next to be shaved. She can at least be beside Josie as this humiliation is played out; she has been through it all before.”

This passage represents the survival instinct Cilka has gained from her experience in Auschwitz and allows her to adapt to life at Vorkuta quickly. Her experience also allows her a strong sense of empathy, as she knows what it’s like to be humiliated in this way. Cilka’s willingness to stand beside Josie Kotecka illustrates her care and concern for others and her strong attachment and desire to protect the girl.