Town

The entirety of the novel takes place in a small town in the English countryside. The name of the town is not given. Its main industries appear to be farming and mining. The novel tracks the progress and changes of the town’s community in the first 13 years following Rebecca Shaw’s disappearance from the town.

The Gladstone

The Gladstone is the local pub in town. It is a primary place for socialization among the town’s residents. Irene works at the pub. After Lynsey graduates from college, she takes a job as a bartender in the pub. She leaves this job after marrying a land surveyor named Guy.

Church

The town’s local church is led by a vicar named Jane Hughes. The church holds regular services, as well as sermons for occasions such as Ash Wednesday. Jane also holds a special following Rebecca’s disappearance. Over...