Most of the action of this contemporary novel takes place in a large city, presumably in the northeast, although the exact location is never pinpointed.

Willis knows and loves the city, preferring to live there in his own apartment and work in a factory, rather than live with his parents, who have moved to the warmer climate of North Carolina.

In contrast to Willis's city background is the country setting of Sophie's upbringing. Sophie has left the family farm, after having experienced some difficulty involving her brother and his wife, and has come to the city to start a new life for herself. She finds a job operating a newsstand that is located next to the factory where Willis is employed. This difference in background between Willis and Sophie provides the initial conflict between the two characters. The city boy thinks the country girl is more than a...