South Africa

Ariel goes to South Africa for the first time in her early 30s. It represents a pivotal moment in her career because she succeeds in reporting a challenging story while there. This trip is an important step in Ariel's dreams of being an independent career-woman and foreign correspondent. South Africa is also where she reignites her relationship with her ex-lover through email.

Later in the book, South Africa becomes a symbol for hope and rebirth. Ariel dreams of going there and meeting her friend Dr. John who has helped her out of grief and depression. Levy writes that Africa is "golden and pulsating" in her mind which indicates its potential for a bright new life full of warmth and hope.

Shelter Island House

After their wedding, Ariel and Lucy buy a house on Shelter Island and spend time turning it into their dream home. This house...