Conditions inside the camp
The novel is said to be based on the letters written by Lina, who was sent to a working camp when the Second World War began; the author offers detailed descriptions about the conditions inside the camp, how the prisoners were treated, the food or the punishments they had to suffer. The reader can experience the horrors Lina went through her eyes and sympathize with her and the other prisoners. The conditions are described as being extremely harsh and many prisoners died because of the inhumane conditions inside the camps. The ones who survived remained with both physical ailments and physiological scars because of the things they had to witness while they were prisoners.
Sacrifice
Another major theme in the novel is the theme of sacrifice. Time and time, characters make sacrifices to ensure the wellbeing of their family members or loved ones and they do not hesitate to put themselves in danger to ensure that the others are safe. The prisoners sacrifice their money and jewelries to buy for themselves and for their families but when they run out of jewelries they are willing to sacrifice their own bodies to assure the safety of their children. Andrius’ mother in particular is known around the camp for sleeping with the NKVD officers but her sacrifice is necessary for her son’s safety. Elena also makes sacrifices for her children, giving them their food even if that meant that she grew weaker and weaker as the time passed by.
Family
Another major theme in the novel is family and how having a close relationship with your family can save a person when the situation becomes though. The Vilkas family in particular is the epitome of unity and harmony and even though Kostas is not with the family he is never forgotten. Elena and her children try to remain united when things get though and they pass over each hurdle together as a family. They try to stick together at all times and they better one another. Another model family is Andrius and his mother who are also united and willing to sacrifice everything for the other. Their strong connection is what helps them survive until the end and what makes them want to continue to fight.
