The Keeper of Hidden Books

Madeline Martin centers the plot of The Keeper of Hidden Books around Warsaw’s public library, establishing the motif of the library as a safe space and reinforcing the themes of The Unifying Power of Literature and The Sanctity of Cultural Heritage. Even at the novel’s beginning, the library is depicted as a comforting haven from the chaos of the outside world. For example, after Jews are banned from the library, Zofia sneaks her friend in for a book club meeting, and when she notices Janina “smelling that wonderful musty, dusty scent redolent of paper and ink [...] Seeing the pleasure it wrought in Janina renewed Zofia’s appreciation” (107). The community members feel this way too, and Zofia notices that more and more children come to the library as the occupation wears on, seeking the solace offered by the reading room. The library’s literature brings people together, making them feel safe and inspiring them to preserve their stories and heritage. This cherished haven becomes even more vital as each new list of banned books forces Zofia, Mrs. Mazur, and the other librarians to take new risks to protect the books from destruction. Likewise, the library warehouse serves as a place to stash hidden books and eventually, to hide fugitives from the ghetto. The efforts underscore the sanctity of the cultural heritage represented by the books, and the library becomes an essential repository to preserve the history and culture of a people under attack.