In the book Everything Is Illuminated, are Lista and Augustine the same woman?

Question

Who was the father of Lista's/Augustine's baby? I have some ideas but am not certain. What was the relationship between Lista/Augustine and Grandfather (Alex's grandfather) during the war? In the movie of Everything Is Illuminated, what do the sunflowers mean? I have some thoughts on that (sunflowers turn toward the sun to be "illuminated" -- perhaps representing the 1204 murdered Trachimbrod souls looking for answers?) but want to hear what others say. I absolutely loved the book and the film. Brilliant, both of them.

Answer 1

I've wondered the same myself, but I don't think we're supposed to know what their relationships are. I'm an English teacher, and am rarely stumped, so I have to believe that we're not supposed to know, but instead focus on the idea of memory, the central theme of the novel.

I've read an interview with Foer, in which he says that the "Illuminated" from the title is in reference to that passage where he explains how all those who make love create little bursts of light that can be seen from outer space.

Answer 2

When I read the book, I thought they might be the same woman. The movie didn't make it seem like that though.