Manhattan

Manhattan is Nour’s initial home that she leaves within the first chapter of the book after Baba dies of cancer. She has lived there for the first 12 years of her life, and struggles to see Syria as home. Even though they do not return to Manhattan for the remainder of the novel, Nour continues to call it her true home and often wishes she could return. During their travels, she imagines telling stories to the plants and having their roots carry it to Baba’s grave. By the end, Nour realizes that her home is not only in Manhattan, but with her family.

Syria

Syria is an important location for both Nour and Rawiya as it is the starting point for their respective journey. For Nour, Homs, Syria is Baba’s hometown and the place they go to after he passes away. This is also where their...