America

The United States of America is the novel's broad strokes setting. While there are no direct references to America, or American ways of life, in the text, several references to particular events or circumstances carry significant implied weight because of this setting. The main example of this is the narrative's commentary on abortion - or, more specifically, the comments of some of the novel's female characters on how fortunate they are to live in a country where abortion is an available choice to them. The comment emerges within a socio-cultural context, in America, in which the subject and/or legality of abortion is a hotly debated topic, legally and emotionally and politically.

New York City

New York City is the novel's primary setting. Almost all the action takes place there, with well-known facets of city life (including the subway) playing defining roles in the lives of the characters...