Alabama

Charles Lundon Werren and Ola Werren live in Alabama at the beginning of the novel. The area is described as lush, heavily wooded, and beautiful. Their daughter, Diane, is born there. However, in 1964 Charles is murdered and Ola subsequently leaves Alabama forever. Within the novel, Alabama is representative as a place of racial hatred and injustice.

Cleveland, Ohio

Emily lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her mother Diane and her unnamed father. Emily apparently has lived in Cleveland her entire life. The city and their home in Cleveland is described in only the vaguest passing terms. It appears that neither Diane nor Emily have much interest in or attachment to Cleveland, except that is where Emily's father lives. Within the novel, Cleveland functions as a sort of distant anchor vice the desert's magic allure.

Little Rock, California

Ola Werren lives in the town of Little Rock, California. There...