Lilac Girls

The title of the novel hints at the importance of lilacs as a symbol. Lilacs are undoubtedly the most important image that Kelly presents to the reader. The lilacs also represent the lasting ideology that the author wishes to impart on the reader. Kasia marvels at Caroline’s lilacs when they are in Connecticut. She has “never seen lilacs in such colors, from deep aubergine—almost black—to the palest lavender” (390). The differing colors of the lilacs undoubtedly speak to the diverse types of women that Kelly as written about in her novel. Although their stories are dissimilar, they are all intertwined because of the war. Their choices have led them on separate paths, but they have all suffered and survived nonetheless.

Caroline explains the meaning of the lilacs to Kasia, telling her “that a lilac only blossoms only after a harsh winter” (392). Caroline marvels at the wonder of the lilac flower: “It’s a miracle all this beauty emerges after such hardship, don’t you think?” (393). Kasia and Caroline are both emotional at the implications; they both identify with the lilac flower. The lilac thus symbolizes Caroline, Kasia, and Zuzanna in particular; unlike Herta, they remain kind and beautiful in spite of the pain they suffered.