Lesbos

The Greek island of Lesbos acts as a central setting in After Sappho. Much of the narrative revolves around the titular poet, whose work—surviving only in fragments—moves and inspires many of the lesbians and feminists in the novel. As Sappho’s home island, Lesbos acts as a symbol of the lesbianism and queer love that fills Sappho’s poetry. Many of the characters in the novel travel to Lesbos, thus engaging in a kind of pilgrimage through which they might connect, in a tangible and direct way, with their famed poetic ancestor.

20 rue Jacob and the Temple à l’amitié

Midway through the novel, the writer Natalie Barney begins to host literary salons in the backyard of her home at 20 rue Jacob in Paris. Her home becomes a hub for the community of lesbians, feminists, and artists living in Paris during this time; the salon often includes...