Veronica Yabloko

pg. 102 — Leica camera
A film camera common throughout Russia in the late 20th century. This model was created by a German company called Leica. The film camera model is now often referenced in pop culture for its iconic silver and black style.

pg. 103 — Primus
A kerosene heater/stove common in Soviet Russia. Primuses were built very sturdily, often lasting in good condition for 20-30 years. Today, primuses are primarily collected and not actually used as stoves.

pg. 103 — “She could no longer tell which was the real couch and which the reflection.”
When Sofia Petrovna looks in the mirror, unable to distinguish between what is real and what is a reflection, we see just how deeply she has fallen into a state of delusion. Although this quote only refers to her couch, it is clear that Sofia Petrovna is unable to distinguish what is real from what is not on a much grander scale. She believes with all her heart that her son is coming home, even though we know he is not. And though a part of her may understand her son is not coming home, she prepares her home, ardently scrubbing the floors, for her son's return. Whether or not this is a coping mechanism, it's clear Sofia Petrovna does not have a firm grasp on reality.

pg. 104 — luminal
Now known as phenobarbital, luminal was used to treat anxiety or sleep issues. Luminal is now used to treat epilepsy, as it is quite a strong sedative that can even be lethal in high doses. In fact, Hitler discovered this powerful drug and used it to kill 50 intellectually disabled children in 1940. He continued using luminal to euthanize children until 1943. Today, luminal is no longer prescribed for sleep issues because of how strong and addictive the drug is.

pg. 105 — Ludmila/Milochka
A made up girl, who Sofia Petrovna dreamed to be her sons fiancé. Sofia Petrovna makes up an elaborate story, saying Ludmila waited for Kolya for a year and that upon his release they will be married.

pg. 106 — Sashka Yartsev
A boy in Kolya's class, responsible for his arrest. He claimed that Kolya joined a terrorist organization by his persuasion, even though they were not friends in or after school. Sashka Yartsev is just one example of the power of Stalin's regime to arrest whoever they wanted to. As Kolya himself admits, Sashka Yarstev was likely beaten into accusing Kolya.

pg. 106 — Investigator Ershov
An investigator whose character is not greatly characterized, except for the fact that he beat Kolya, making him deaf in one ear. The nonchalance with which Kolya relates this information further emphasizes how common it was for innocent citizens to be beaten until they made a confession (even if it was fake).

pg. 109 — burning letter
The burning of Kolya's letter by Sofia Petrovna is, of course, a hugely symbolic and powerful act. The central question becomes, does Sofia Petrovna burn the letter as an acceptance or denial of reality? In other words, does she burn the letter because she knows there is nothing she can do to help Kolya? Or because she wants to erase any evidence that Kolya is likely never going to return?