Cilka's Journey

Why does the author use flashbacks to create windows to Cilka’s time in Auschwitz in conjunction with her time at Vorkuta? What impact does this narrative style have on the story? Use several examples to illustrate your perspective.

How does Cilka’s experience at Auschwitz help her survive her time at Vorkuta? How does she use this experience to help her friends, and why does she hide the source of her experience from them?

Analyze Elena’s character. Why does she act like a bully and pretend to be tougher than the other women? How does she change over the course of the novel?

What does the novel teach about hope and the human spirit? What character most resembles your own responses to stressful situations?

Why does Cilka refuse better conditions for herself, such as working at the hospital and living in the nurses’ quarters? What internal conflict does Cilka experience that prevents her from looking out for herself?

Discuss the role of men and power in the novel. How does Cilka fight against men’s power? How is Alexandr Petrik different from other men?

Why doesn’t Cilka have hope for her future? What changes her mind and makes her want to fight even harder to stay alive?

What finally compels Cilka to tell the women of Hut 29 about her experience at Auschwitz? What effect does this have on her? On her hut-mates? If you were Cilka’s friend, how would you respond to her?