Abby and Jay Alfred are husband and wife, best friends, residents of New York City in 1969.
They are college professors and experts in the music of John Field and the writings of T. S. Eliot, respectively.
When Abby falls mysteriously ill, Jay transforms their apartment into a dynamic retreat for healing and recovery, much to the chagrin of his in-laws. Surrounded by a few close friends, aided by two committed doctors, and supported by their students, and some newly met strangers, the couple struggles heroically to overcome the odds of fighting disease and the threat of legal interference with their preference for home care.
Outside, the tumultuous world of 1969 roils around them, with the social unrest of anti-war protests, the corrupting influence of drugs, and the suspicion of medical malpractice; all as the baseball Mets pulse the city's beat toward a world championship and Americans first set foot on the moon.
But will they ever be able to get out again into that world together? How will Jay win their race against time, battle despair and anger assailing then from all sides, break through Abby's coma to assure her of his constant love, and bring her back from the brink of oblivion?