Characters
Plot Points
Historical Context
Quotes
Symbols & Themes
100

who is Elena Vilkas. 

She is a strong, compassionate, and resilient woman who becomes a moral anchor for her children and others during their deportation and time in the labor camps.

100

What is the Soviet Union / NKVD?

The family is arrested by this oppressive regime.

100

What is Siberia?

The Vilkas family is first deported to this harsh region.

100

“Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth?” Who says this?

Lina

100

What dose bread reperent ?

This food item becomes a symbol of both survival and desperation.

200

Who is Jonas Vilkas?

Lina’s younger brother, who clings to hope even in exile.

200

The family is arrested by this oppressive regime. who is this 

NKVD

200

what is Lithuania?


Stalin forcibly deported people from this Baltic country where Lina is from.

200

I planted a seed of hope and let it grow who said this 

 Elena Vilkas

200

The act of sharing in the novel symbolizes this key human value.

compassion

300

Who is Lina?

This artistic character serves as a symbol of silent resistance with her sketches.

300

What is a can / a suitcase / buried near the shack?

Lina hides her drawings in this place, hoping someone will find them.

300

What is a gulag?

Lina’s father is sent to this kind of prison camp.

300

Complete the quote: “We were about to become ______ in history.”

ghosts

300

what dose the marble from Andrius symbolizes this relationship.

love

400

Who is Mr. Stalas (the Bald Man)?

This gruff old man seems heartless but sacrifices himself for others.

400

What is university dean / intellectual / anti-Soviet activity?

Lina's family is targeted because her father works in this profession.

400

What is the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?

This pact between Stalin and Hitler led to the division of Eastern Europe.

400

I wanted to scream, but I had no voice. who said this

Lina

400

There are many quiet moments in the book. They show this feeling.

fear and sacredness

500

Who is Andrius Arvydas?

He’s Lina’s first love and protector during their deportation.

500

What is her memoir / a letter / buried art?

At the end of the novel, Lina’s voice is recovered through this medium.

500

What is the NKVD unbereaved 

Narodny Komissariat Vnutrennikh Del

500

 Even if we’re devils, we’re still human.” Who said this?

 Andrius

500

What is losing control or freedom?

The train the family rides unwillingly