It’s been fifty-one years since Sergei Kourdakov tragically died at the age of twenty-one. It was reported to be an accident…that he accidentally shot himself. I never believed that though. I didn’t believe it fifty-one years ago, and I don’t believe it now.
My true story, A Rose for Sergei, was published in 2014. Since that time, I’ve continued to give book talks. During a typical Question/Answer session I’m usually asked, “What really happened to Sergei?” My response is always the same, “I wish I knew the answer to that question.”
It’s not uncommon after I’ve given a book talk that someone from the group will come up to me and quietly mention they work/worked in the intelligence field for the U.S. Federal Government. That statement is followed by these whispered words – “Sergei did not accidentally shoot himself. There is more to the story.”
A few months ago I had the
opportunity to speak about Sergei Kourdakov with a group of women in Arlington,
Virginia. The location was very close to the apartment I had lived in when I
met Sergei. It was heartening to be back in my old neighborhood where so much
had happened. I felt a strong connection to Arlington, and in turn to these
women, as I began by telling them that my story actually took place just a few
miles down the road. That connection inspired me to speak candidly about Sergei’s
life and the time we shared together. The following week I received a thank you
email from the hostess. Part of the note is below:
“You had us all spellbound. You could have heard a pin drop.”
“Your story is fascinating. To have the author be the one to tell her story and then answer questions was a gift.”
“You spoke with such candor and passion about Sergei; it was a remarkable moment in time for the two of you.”
I was touched, honored really, to read such kind words about my book talk. And yes, you could have heard a pin drop during my presentation. It was the last sentence, however, that truly struck a chord. Looking back, Sergei and I did share a remarkable moment in time.
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