Nocturne is a work of fiction based on historical events that took place during and immediately after World War II. Although most of the characters are fictional, I have taken the liberty of interpolating several historical figures into my story. They are Adam Czerniakow, the controversial president of the Jewish Council inside the Warsaw Ghetto, the famous pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman, and the heroic educationalist Dr Janusz Korczak, who could have survived but chose to die together with the children in his charge.
Some of the characters in Nocturne have been partly inspired by remarkable people I have met over the years. One of them is H., whose courage and fearlessness during the darkest days of the war have made an indelible impression on me. Among others who have generously shared their stories with me are Cesia Glazer, Lena Goldstein, Yola Schneider, Dora Grynberg, Leo Zettel and the late David Landau.
Emeritus Professor Jerzy Zubricki, who played an important part in some of the events I have described, was kind enough to read sections of this manuscript and provide me with valuable details.
Joanna Kalowski took time to help me translate some phrases into German.
I’d like to acknowledge the following authors whose books I have found invaluable sources of information. Lynne Olson and Stanley Gould for their enthralling account of the plight of Polish airmen who served in the RAF during World War II, A Question of Honor; Jan Karski for his illuminating memoir, Story of a Secret State; and Barbara Engelking and Jacek Leociak for their meticulously researched The Warsaw Ghetto: a Guide to the Perished City.
Other books and memoirs that have given me unique insights into life during this tragic period are Justyna’s Diary by Gusta Draenger, The Ghetto Fighters by Marek Edelman, Caged by David Landau, A Chronicle of the Years of War and Occupation by Ludwik Landau, Participants and Witnesses of the Warsaw Uprising, edited by Janusz Zawodny, Letters from Belsen 1945 by Muriel Knox Doherty, Rising ’44 by Norman Davies, A Chronicle of the Fighting Capital by Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, Janek: A Gentile in the Warsaw Ghetto by Janek Kostanski, The Cigarette Sellers by Joseph Ziemian, and Off the Record: the Life and Times of Muriel Knox Doherty, edited by R. Lynette Russell.
Living with an author whose mind is fixed on uprisings, invasions, bombing raids and battles for three whole years can test a spouse’s understanding and forbearance, but my dear Michael has dealt with this as he deals with everything else — with grace, good humour and generosity. As always, he was my first reader, and I’m very grateful for his understanding, literary taste and helpful suggestions.
It’s a pleasure to work with the supportive team at HarperCollins. I’m especially grateful to my publisher, Linda Funnell, for her enthusiasm and sensitivity. Jo Butler has been a meticulous and thoughtful editor, whose probing questions have enhanced this manuscript.
I’m extremely fortunate in having Selwa Anthony as my agent. I appreciate her empathy and wisdom, and the fact that, no matter how busy she is, she always has time to listen and advise.