The Brownstone

The entirety of Caul Baby is set in present day Harlem, New York. The community is divided over the caulbearing tradition. Some people believe that it is folklore while other seek out the caul to purchase when they are sick. Throughout the novel, the characters witness the gentrification of their neighborhood. White families and students move into the brownstone driving up rent prices and precluding Black families from maintaining their homes and businesses.

Harlem, Present Day

The Melancon Brownstone is located in Harlem. Throughout the narrative, the Melancon women are largely confined to their home. Despite the grandeur of the building, it is in disrepair. Iris blames the spirits for putting cracks in the walls and holes in the ceilings. She warns her mother and sister that the brownstone will crumble because the Melancons snubbed Black women in the community and only sold their caul to white...