salt to the sea

Joana's narration is the very first in the novel. She is shown to be fleeing not only the encroaching invasion of her homeland of Lithuania, but the guilt she feels about those left behind, and as it later emerges, of accidentally implicating family members who are deported and face an almost certain death.

Despite this immense burden, she is shown to be the most capable and resourceful character largely due to her medical training and perseverance. This most likely ensures her survival, as her skills are in such high demand when evacuees start approaching, and also when boarding the ship where thousands of them will be needing medical assistance. She is also willing to get to know people such as Florian, who remains guarded for a very long time, as she wants to medically help him.

Due to her down-to-earth nature, she has no qualms about delivering Emilia's baby, and those of many other pregnant women, under extreme pressure; she rebukes the advances of amorous soldiers; and she falls in love with Florian. She and Florian eventually end up caring for Emilia's baby and also Klaus, the little boy.