Santiago

Santiago is the city in Chile in which the majority of the novel takes place. It is the city in which Gonzalo, Carla, and Vicente are born and grow up. Throughout their lives, they know no other place as intimately as they do Santiago.

Pru later travels to Santiago in order to pursue a magazine article. While here, she meets and becomes attached to Vicente. Vicente also falls in love with Pru. Despite their connection, they eventually part ways. While she is still in town, Pru specifically researches and writes about Chilean's relationship with poetry.

After years away from Santiago, having moved to New York for his doctorate, Vicente returns home. Shortly thereafter, he happens to reunite with Vicente and they endeavor to rekindle their old connection.

New York

New York is the United States city to which Gonzalo travels for his doctorate degree. Gonzalo decides to move...