New Orleans 1918-1919

The entirety of this novel occurs in the city of New Orleans. New Orleans in that era was undergoing dramatic changes in its position and culture. The changes that occur to their characters mirror the changes occurring on a larger scale in the city.

The canal

Much of the action takes place in and around the canal. At the start, Beatrice visits the future site of a canal, though it is at that point full of vegetation. Then we see Isadore and Big Dick toiling in the building of the canal, and it is visited by Bill and Charlie after bodies are discovered in its “mouth.” It is actually the only place visited by every character. It is the setting for the final face-off between Bill, Isadore, and Giorgio.

Beatrice’s home, the Garden District

Beatrice spends much of her time in the novel at home...