Emilia Zimic, a thirty-year-old widow, is in desperate straits. After the untimely death of her abusive husband, she is locked out of the marital home, and all of her clothing and personal possessions destroyed by a vengeful father-in-law. Alone in the world, with only two donated outfits to her name, the St. Lydia Shelter for Women informs her that her part-time temporary job disqualifies her for residence past one week. Searching for an inexpensive, furnished apartment in Albany, New York in the waning months of 1968 seems a futile endeavor. Arriving late for the last appointment of the day, a studio apartment in an imposing Victorian across from Washington Park, she wonders, 'What's the point?' Her budget will never support the likely rent for an apartment in such an elegant building, even with bare bones living expenses. But cold and shivering in her threadbare raincoat, she lets herself into the building, if only for a few minutes of warmth. Standing in the foyer, she hears someone playing a Chopin nocturne. Captivated by the music, and the pianist's skill, she waits until the end of the piece before knocking on the door. She then meets the landlord, the elderly Ruth Shapiro, herself a widow with a tragic life history. As the result of such a chance encounter, Emelia's life changes in ways she could never have imagined. "Nocturne for Samuel" is a story of hope against all odds, personal struggle, determination and triumph over adversity.
