New York City, U.S.A.

The entirety of the novel takes place in New York City, U.S.A. either during the year 1996 or during an unspecified year in the 2000s. Straub incorporates countless real New York City streets and restaurants to give her novel an authentic feel. Regarding New York City, Alice says, “People who didn’t love New York could just fuck all the way off. Look at this place! Look at these benches, at these cobblestones, at these taxicabs and horses side by side! Whatever happened, she had this” (36). Clearly, Alice takes pride in her hometown and relies on it for a sense of emotional security and happiness.

Pomander Walk

Alice grew up in Leonard’s house on Pomander Walk. The narrator describes, “Pomander was a dash straight through the middle of the block, cutting from 94th to 95th Street in between Broadway and West...