The Keeper of Hidden Books

After talking back to the soldier in the street, Zofia is riddled with guilt for putting Janina at risk. Janina doesn’t hold it against her, but Zofia struggles to let it go. One morning, Matka tells Zofia that they need to move before the Germans take over their apartment. Zofia is shocked by the news and more shocked by her mother’s despondency. Zofia resents that it will fall on her to find them a new home, in addition to everything else she is already doing. During their conversation, Matka notices the bruise on Zofia’s head from the soldier’s gun. The bruise snaps Matka out of her depression. She apologizes for “failing” Zofia and promises that she will find them a new apartment.

By that evening, Matka has found them a new place and looks more decisive than she has in months. Over dinner, they have an unusually friendly conversation. Zofia offers to pack Antek’s belongings for the move because she knows that the prospect pains her mother. In the end, they pack together. Their new apartment is smaller and less comfortable than Zofia’s childhood home. They meet one of their new neighbors, Mrs. Borkowska. The next day, Zofia runs into

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