New York City

Most of the novel takes place in New York City, which is the most populous city in the United States. Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm all live there after finishing their respective graduate school programs. JB and Malcolm’s families live in New York City as well. Jude works for the U.S. Attorney’s Office before taking a job at a large and powerful corporate firm called Rosen Pritchard and Klein. Willem often leaves town to do film shoots, but he returns as often as possible to see Jude.

Lispenard Street

When Jude and Willem move to New York City, they move in to a cheap apartment on Lispenard Street in the city. They eventually move to their own apartments after they become established in their respective fields. However, the apartment itself remains an important landmark in their memories. Willem eventually moves in to Jude...