Amber

Wanda convinces Olin to buy a piece of amber for his love back home in the United States after Olin arrives in Poland. Olin ends up leaving the amber in the extermination chamber at Auschwitz in honor of his mother as a sign of respect for all the tragedy and terror she endured.

Lady with an Ermine

"Lady with an Ermine" is a famous painting by Leonard da Vinci, and it is Olin's favorite work of art. Wanda encourages Olin to buy a postcard of "Lady with an Ermine" when they are unable to see the painting itself. Olin later gives the postcard to Sister Catherine. At the end of the novel, Olin goes to visit the painting itself, only to find Sister Catherine there, as if waiting for him. He hopes that this means she has some feelings for him, but in the end, Sister...