New Orleans

New Orleans is the most populous city in the state of Louisiana. At the time of the main storyline, Victor and Barbra have lived in New Orleans for about 1-2 years. They moved there from Connecticut after 11 women sued Victor for sexual harassment. At the beginning of the novel, Victor has a heart attack in their New Orleans apartment. Alex and Twyla go to New Orleans to visit the comatose Victor, but Gary refuses and instead remains in Los Angeles. The generally festive atmosphere of New Orleans pointedly clashes with the many harsh experiences and challenges that the characters face.

New York City

New York City is the most populous city in the state of New York. Much of Barbra and Victor’s originally courtship took place in New York City. Barbra found herself oddly (and unhealthily) attracted to Victor’s domineering attitude towards her. Barbra found...