The Keeper of Hidden Books

“It made her admire Janina’s grandparents, who did not hide who they were, and even Janina’s parents for engaging in the holidays they did. And it also made her appreciate what Mrs. Berman must have gone through to obtain her role in the library. The world was full of extraordinary women.”

Early in the novel, Zofia admires the bravery of her Jewish friends and neighbors, who have long been subject to persecution. These thoughts provide characterization for Janina, who is proud of her Jewish identity and who wants to engage more fully with her Jewish heritage. These lines also foreshadow the need for the women in the novel to engage in brave acts to overcome the cruelty that the Jewish characters will soon face at the hands of the occupying Nazi forces.

“In such days of bombing and war, no one was asked if they wanted to help; everyone just did. What’s more, they worked alongside one another. The rich dug next to the poor, as did the Nationalists and Socialists, and the Catholics and the Jews.”

Historically, the Polish resistance to Nazi occupation was the largest underground resistance movement of World War II. This passage reflects the sense of community shared by the citizens of Warsaw, and this sentiment contributes to their resistance efforts later in the novel. Here, Zofia’s do-what-you-must attitude is evident and this attitude will motivate her to take great risks as the conflict accelerates.

“It was something Zofia had done annually since she learned what Rosh Hashanah was and what it meant to her friend. It was a simple gesture, but with so much scarcity and loss recently, its impact was felt more deeply than in previous years.”

The author explores The Enduring Nature of Friendship through Zofia’s relationship with Janina, for their connection is characterized by thoughtfulness and unwavering loyalty, even in the face of life-threatening risks. Here, Zofia also acknowledges The Sanctity of Cultural Heritage by honoring a Jewish holiday with her friend because she recognizes its importance to Janina.