Isla Pixol

Isla Pixol is an island in Mexico where Harry moved with his mother when she first left her father to be with Enrique, a Mexican businessman. Although relatively little of the action takes place on Isla Pixol it is a significant location in the novel because of the presence of the lacuna. Harry’s discovery of the underwater passageway as a boy allows him to begin a new life in Mexico as an adult after he is hounded out of the United States by anti-Communists. Isla Pixol is also the location where Harry’s interest in ancient Aztec culture first begins, which goes on to inspire his novels as an adult.

Mexico City

Harry and his mother move to Mexico City after Salome decides to leave Enrique for the man whom Harry refers to as Mr. PT Cash. Harry had relatively unhappy experiences in the city, especially...