Moving coffin
In the tenth chapter, Lina compared the car train they were in with a moving coffin. The comparison has the purpose of highlighting the idea that those inside the train car were in a dire situation and that their life was in grave danger. However, it seems that none of those in the train were completely aware of that and chose instead to lie to themselves and maintain an optimistic point of view.
Metaphor for vulnerability
After traveling for weeks, the last remaining group not to be sold to the Siberians is taken to a bathhouse to get cleaned up. There, the women are told to strip naked while the NKVD watched closely. A soldier groped Lina and tried to abuse her but is saved by her mother. The state in which the women were put them at a greater risk of being molested or in danger so the state of undress is a metaphor for vulnerability here. Women however were vulnerable no matter if they were naked or not because they were generally weaker than men and more susceptible of being abused.
Just like Jesus
In chapter 39, the image of a man killed is presented. The man was caught writing letters and sending detailed drawings to the resistance, hoping that they will come and save them. The man was killed an impaled on a cross in a similar manner Jesus Christ did. The comparison between the two has the purpose of highlighting the idea that the man who was killed tried to do something for his fellow prisoners and that he put his life in danger just because he hoped that he will be able to do something to help his fellow prisoners.
Like a grave
After denying to work as translators or spies for the Soviets, Lina and Elena are put to work with some other women in a clearing in the field, digging a deep whole. As time passes by and as they whole become bigger, the women start to think that maybe they are digging a grave for those who will be killed by the Soviets. From that point on, the woman frequently compare the whole with a grave and its presence reminds them that they could be killed at any given moment.
Just like your father
Elena is quick to realize that Andrius likes Lina and tries to woo her over by giving her food and other small gifts. In his own way, Andrius tried to prove that he cared for Lina and her family in hopes of winning Lina over. Elena compares the way Andrius tries to flirt with her with the way Kostas tried to woo Elena. The compassion between the two helps Lina change her feelings for Andrius and also makes her think fondly about her father.
