Michael and Melissa's House

Michael and Melissa live in a house in a predominantly black neighborhood of London. They occasionally discuss moving to another neighborhood, as the crime rate in their neighborhood is above average. However, they want their children to grow up around other black peoples. As the novel progresses, Melissa’s domestic-related stress and anxiety cause her to believe that there is a malevolent force in the house. She eventually leaves Michael due to their relationship difficulties, and she moves into an apartment with the children.

Dorking

Dorking is a suburban town in Surrey, England. Stephanie and Damian live in Dorking, and as a black family, they are racial minorities in that area. Damian commutes to London for work. By contrasting Stephanie and Damian's suburban residence with Michael and Melissa's more urban, multicultural surroundings, the novel evokes ideas of geographical segregation and accompanying sociopolitical issues.

Michael's Office