In "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova, the concept of being a total stranger highlights the themes of trust and the unknown in human interactions. When someone approaches to take a book from a personal collection, it prompts a sense of hesitation and curiosity, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and the stories that bind us to our possessions.

This quote reflects the tension between the familiar and the unfamiliar, as the act of lending a cherished book to a stranger brings forth questions about intentions and identities. It underlines that objects, particularly books, hold significant meaning and histories that are intertwined with our lives, making the act of giving them away a profound exchange.