Summary

On the last day of the brothel's existence, Madam Kulikowa is executed. She reflects over her life and reveals to Skinny that she knows she and Estelle (whose real name is Esther) are Jewish. She asks her to take care of Estelle and silently resolves to face her death with dignity.

Following the evacuation of the brothel, the girls are forced to march with the soldiers. Smartie and Maria-from-Poznan are shot, and Skinny and Estelle tie themselves together and drag each other along to escape the march. During the night, Estelle is killed by Dobermanns and Skinny must continue on alone.

Analysis

The brevity of Chapter Fourteen suggests that when the end of the Germans' war comes, it comes quickly. And with it come the quick deaths of many of the remaining prostitutes. Madam Kulikowa's execution has been foreshadowed early on in the...