Lilac Girls

Chapter 38 finds Caroline in the years 1957 and 1958. Caroline and her mother have returned to New York; they continue to throw balls and attempt to raise money for different causes. Attention for the European countries impacted by the war has faded, although Caroline continues to try and raise money for the Rabbits. At one such ball, Caroline sees Paul and Leena Rodierre. Initially, Caroline thinks that Paul has remarried. Paul manages to corner Caroline; it is clear that she has not read a single one of his letters. Rena is now living on a Greek island with a lover half her age. Paul tries his best to convince Caroline that he still loves her. Paul introduces Caroline to Leena, his daughter. Caroline is overwhelmed with emotion at the sight of Pascaline, now a budding actress. Leena invites Caroline to Paris and she agrees; Paul urges Caroline to write him and for the first time, she agrees.

The next day, Caroline meets with Norman Cousins, the editor of the Saturday Review. Caroline tells them all everything she knows about the Rabbits, and they come up with the idea to raise money to bring them all to America. After Norman’s article, a few letters arrive to Caroline’s house in Connecticut. One day, when she visits Earl Johnson at the mailroom in the Bethlehem Post Office, she realizes that there is a room full of mail and letters, all full of donations for the Rabbits’ cause. People all over America have donated medical care, clothes, money, and trips; over $6,000 is raised for the girls, more than enough to bring them to the United States.

In 1958, Caroline arrives in Poland with a Dr. Hitzig to give the women checkups to clear them for air travel. A panel of doctors ogle the women at first, watching their public examinations like they are scientific curiosities. Caroline notices Kasia’s increasing distress and she puts a stop to the show. She insists that their examinations continue in private. The women continue getting examined and Kasia discovers that Zuzanna has been sterilized. After the checkups, Caroline tries to get the women to take the expensive purses, chocolates, and cookies that have been donated. None of them take her up on her offer.

Dr. Hitzig returns and tells them that everyone is cleared for travel except for Zuzanna. Zuzanna likely has stomach cancer. Kasia is furious at the news; she rages, asking Caroline: “The whole reason for the trip is to get medical attention not available here. How can you bring us all this way and refuse the person who needs you most?” (368). Kasia snaps at Caroline, telling her that Polish people who accept gifts from Americans tend to disappear. Caroline is embarrassed by her own ignorance. Zuzanna thanks Caroline and apologizes for Kasia. 

Kasia and Pietrik dance together in their bedroom the day before she is supposed to leave for America. She unpacks and packs her suitcase numerous times before she unpacks for the last time, resolved not to go to America without Zuzanna. Pietrik tries to talk Kasia into going. Zuzanna enters the room and reveals a telegram she received; Zuzanna will also be going to New York with the rest of the group. Pietrik brings Kasia’s suitcase back down from the top shelf of their closet while Zuzanna and Kasia dance around the room.

Kasia and the rest of the women land in New York in December of 1958. The women do not understand why Caroline is unmarried. All the women part ways to go to different hospitals for surgery and treatment. Zuzanna and Kasia both go to Mount Sinai hospital in New York. They stayed with Caroline and she showed them all around the city. At the hospital, they are subjected to a series of blood work and physical tests. After, doctors see them. Kasia sees a clear X-ray of her leg for the first time.

Kasia’s tibia has been reduced by six centimeters and has resulted in an antalgic gait. The doctor recommends a psychiatric evaluation after the operation but Kasia insists that she’s not crazy. When the doctor begins examining Zuzanna, Kasia flees the hospital. She is horrified at the thought of a long and painful recovery; she no longer wants the operation.

Kasia throws away the hospital band and spends a long time walking around New York. She eventually returns to the Mount Sinai waiting room; there, she reads the articles about her and the other women by Norman Cousins. She is blown away by the generosity of Americans. Carolina and Zuzanna find her; Kasia begins saying that she does not want to be operated on again without her consent. Zuzanna takes her aside and promises that she will stay with her no matter what, that she will make sure no one hurts Kasia. Kasia goes.

After the surgery, Kasia barely feels any pain. A nurse named Dot cares for Kasia; she encourages Kasia to speak to Dr. Krazny, the hospital psychiatrist. After Dot confirms that everything said to Dr. Krazny would be confidential, Kasia agrees to talk to her. Dr. Krazny is unlike Kasia imagined. She is blunt and honest and tells Kasia that she needs to get to the bottom of her anger before she can recover. After, Caroline brings Zuzanna and Kasia to her home in Connecticut. Despite the beauty of the land, Kasia misses her family and Poland. Zuzanna rises each morning to chat with Caroline and Kasia wants her sister back. The three of them spend Christmas together and exchanged gifts. 

Serge, the cook, grows to love Zuzanna and her him. They begin meeting in secret and spending more time together than ever. Kasia is hurt that Zuzanna keeps it a secret from her.