Spain

The opening chapters of the novel are set in Spain. This is both Victor and Roser's homeland. However, because the country is ravaged by war in the latter half of the 1930s, the characters are forced to flee. While Victor is working on the front in multiple locations, Roser is living with Carme in the Dalmau family home in Barcelona. This is the same setting where the Dalmau boys grew up and where Marcel Lluis died. Therefore, when Aitor arrives at the Barcelona home to escort Roser and Carme to freedom, Carme resists going. In spite of her reluctance, she joins the others on behalf of Roser and her unborn baby. However, before the companions leave Spain, Carme disappears. Aitor and Roser are forced to go on ahead in order to protect themselves.

Years later, after the dictator Franco dies, Victor and Roser return to Spain. This is...