Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

The Nantucket of Hilderbrand’s novel is known for its physical beauty and toxic gossip culture. Right off the bat, an unknown narrator describes, “Nantucket Island is known for its cobblestone streets and red-brick sidewalks, cedar-shingled cottages and rose-covered arches, long stretches of golden beach and refreshing Atlantic breezes—and it’s also known for residents who adore a juicy piece of gossip (which hot landscaper has been romancing which local real estate mogul’s wife—that kind of thing)” (7). Indeed, the chapters labelled “The Cobblestone Telegraph” are dedicated solely to discussing the rumors which circulate the island. Mostly, Nantucket is described as a paradise for America’s elite.

The break room

The break room at the Hotel Nantucket is the backdrop of a great deal of the staff’s drama in the novel. The narrator describes, “Lizbet leads everyone into the break room, which has...