The Keeper takes place in Chicago prior to the late 1980s break-up of the communist countries in Eastern Europe. Much of the action takes place in the Karpinski home, a third floor, walk-up apartment. It is a comfortable place with two bedrooms and a large enough living room for Mrs. Karpinski's piano and piano students. Jacob Karpinski and a brother immigrated to America from Poland as very young men, so Nick's only near relatives are Mrs. Karpinski's parents in Hammond, Indiana. There are no close friends in their social circle. Since they are fairly recent residents of Chicago, Nick has made no close friends. He and his mother feel isolated from others in their apartment building and only associate with those who come into their lives by necessity.

Each morning on his way to school, Nick follows Karen Zimmerman, who lives in his apartment building, carefully pacing himself...