450 Walnut Street

450 Walnut Street is the site of all the difficult years of Karina’s and Richard’s relationship, but it is also the place that will bring them together again for the duration of Richard’s illness. Sharing a roof provides them with an opportunity to reconcile, no matter how difficult that reconciliation may be, and no matter how many negative memories the house held for both of them before. By the end of the novel, Karina knows that she will always associate the house with Richard—no longer, however, with his betrayals, but with his love and legacy. Only once Karina has forgiven Richard completely can she move out of this house and pursue the life she wants elsewhere.

Richard's Apartment

Richard’s apartment plays two roles in the novel: it represents his independence and loneliness, and it also brings to a head many of the financial...