Canada

Protagonist Henry begins the story living in an unnamed city in his home country of Canada. The narrative portrays him as having had significant personal and professional success there, but as feeling he has to leave to start a new life in the aftermath of having his second manuscript rejected.

London

The British city of London - more specifically, a fancy restaurant in London - is the setting for one of the book's key scenes: the rejection of Henry's manuscript by those who had been interested in publishing and marketing it. There is a sense that, because London is such a world-recognized center for artistic achievement and exploration, the fact that this particularly life-shattering moment is set there gives the moment even more weight and impact.

The Unnamed City

In the aftermath of what happens in London, and as a result of his decision to move from Canada...