Skinny's father

Skinny's father, who killed himself on the electrified fence at Auschwitz-Birkenau rather than to live without honor in the camp, is a symbol of devout faith. He is unable to accept the persecutions of the German soldiers and chooses to take his own life rather than have that decision made for him on the whims of a regime that despises everything he believes in. In doing so, Skinny's father takes an ethical stance, and in deciding to choose life at the brothel over death, Skinny compares herself to her father and questions the ethics of her own decision.

Eyes

The book's title, Lovely Green Eyes, is a reference to the most striking characteristic of the story's protagonist. Despite her eyes being unusual, however, they are a way in which people connect with her. Skinny's eyes remind Jews and Nazis alike, of family members, friends, and...