Zamana

Zamana is a fictitious city in Pakistan. It appears to be based on the city of Lahore. Almost all of the novel’s action takes place in Zamana. It is the city of residence for Nargis, Helen, and Lily. Imran lives as a vagrant in Zamana since his arrival there. In the language of Urdu, the word "zamana" means age, era, or time, thus emphasizing the idea that the novel is examining modern-day Pakistan as a culmination of past histories.

Badami Bagh

Badami Bagh is a neighborhood in Zamana. It is an impoverished neighborhood predominantly occupied by Christians, who are generally oppressed by the dominant Muslims in Pakistan. Lily and Helen live in Badami Bagh. After Lily and Helen become fugitives, a large group of Muslims enters Badami Bagh to kill Christians and burn their homes.

Nargis’s House

Nargis’s house is large and located in a...