Everywhere on earth, throughout time and space

The very point of the novel is inextricably tied to this setting. Tokarczuk's pilgrims are not tied to any place because they travel unencumbered, they are unanchored to anywhere in space and time. Therefore, the setting changes in each vignette, both in time and location, although airports are the most recurring location. They are the gathering place for travelers.

Airports

Airports are one of the most common settings. The author describes them as cities for travelers, with restaurants and exhibits much like real cities. But everyone is in motion in them, which makes them the place that travelers most identify with.

Kunicki's island

This island is the place Kunicki was vacationing when his wife and child disappeared. The island is off the coast of Split, Croatia. It is dominated by grape vineyards and beaches under towering cliffs. The locals al make their...