Lilac Girls

By 1945, the trees along Beauty Road have all been cut down for firewood. Layers of ash cover the camp and the cage of exotic birds has long been removed. The women know that Germany is losing the war; daily air raids and fewer work details signaled the end. Although the Nazis seem to be giving up the war, they continue to kill groups of the women at an even higher rate, calling for black buses to take them away. Kasia walks over to the administration building to collect a package for her, happy that she is able to walk without her crutch. On her way, a woman named Karol stops her. Karol is a Jules, a type of prisoner who dresses and acts masculine, and who protects girls who “go steady” (247) with her. Karol saves Kasia’s life, keeping her away from the selection for death transport next door.

Kasia sees Nadia and her mother, who have only arrived the night before from Auschwitz. Nadia tells Kasia that Pietrik had asked countless times if Kasia liked him. Nadia has left a book for Kasia in their secret spot back in Lublin. When Kasia returns with water for Nadia, the truck is already taking them away.