San Francsico

San Francisco is one of the most populous cities in California. It is known to have a large, socially active LGBT community. Arthur Less lives in San Francisco and has spent most of his adult life there. San Francisco is where Arthur lives during the two great romances of his life: his relationship with Robert Brownburn and his relationship with Freddy Pelu. After receiving an invitation to Freddy’s wedding, Arthur decides to leave San Francisco to travel the world on an extended vacation.

New York City

On the first stop of Arthur's trip, he goes to New York City to interview successful science-fiction writer H.H.H. Mandern at a publicity event for Mandern's newest novel. Arthur also has a meeting with his publisher, who tells him that the publishing company is rejecting Arthur's newest novel for publication. In the wake of this news, and as...