The Town

Most of the novel takes place in a suburban town that is in the middle of significant growth in both economy and population. During the protagonist’s time there, the town is called Winthrop. However, the town was founded by African-Americans and was called Freedom until the industrialist Winthrop family took over via economic influence. When the protagonist arrives, the town’s identity is in flux due to the changes and influences wrought by the arrival of Aberdeen Software.

The City

The protagonist lives in a city that seems to be similar to New York City, but the narration never gives the city’s name. While living in the city, the protagonist was hired by a firm as a nomenclature consultant. The protagonist eventually became disillusioned with the work and quit. Not long after, the protagonist accepted the job of picking a new name for the town...