To a Wild Nightingale

The book, "Love and Remembrance," discusses the adult paranormal experiences of Sophie Jacobs, CPA. "To a Wild Nightingale" presents the life of Sophie as a teenager, studying vocal music at the prestigious Academy of the City of New York. It is there, under unusual circumstances, that she meets Nicolai, nephew of the great Soviet composer, Nicolai Sabrenkov and recent arrival at the Academy after escaping from behind the Iron Curtain with his Mother and Sister. When their friendship develops Sophie becomes popular with other students who want to know more about the handsome mysterious newcomer. Although he is always cheerful, often teasing, Sophie senses a layer of sorrow beneath the surface, as their friendship continues to reach deeper levels. Sophie, Nicolai and friends enjoy a regular weekend routine where they have dinner, desert, and intellectual discussions at restaurants and coffee houses before and after listening to concerts at Carnegie Hall. The weekend concludes for them after having Breakfast at the Central Park Zoo. However, one Friday night in particular results in devastating consequences, leading to life altering decisions for three of the adolescents involved. While Nicolai is away on a concert tour, Sophie makes the acquaintance of a Miki, a lively teenager with the reputation of being a "sexpot." Miki gets to know Sophie and her friends and forms a special relationship with Tom, one of the group. The addition of Miki helps Sophie and the others find a level of warmth and comfort, previously absent. Meanwhile, because of his close association with his Uncle, a world renowned Soviet composer living in Leningrad, Nicolai inadvertently becomes entangled in Cold War politics through no fault of his own and is compelled to conclude his touring. He returns to New York, where he and Sophie will continue to face the challenge of learning to live creative lives in love when the World is at War.