New York City

New York City is the primary setting in the novel. Sutton is born and raised in an Irish neighborhood in the city. Upon his release from prison, Sutton drives around New York City with the photographer and the reporter while Sutton tells them his story.

Attica

Attica is a prison in New York. It is the prison where Sutton ends up spending his latest years in prison. It is from Attica that Sutton is released when the novel first opens.

Books

Sutton is constantly reading books. When he's packing his things to leave prison, some of the first items he grabs are his books. Sutton seems to find solace in reading while he is in prison, although he continues to read in between stints in prison too.

Manuscript

Sutton has written a book manuscript on yellow legal pads while in prison. The manuscript is also...