New York City

The majority of the story in "Ashes of Roses" by Mary Jane Auch takes place in various parts of New York City. There are some references to specific landmarks that may be known to the reader. The author mentions some universally recognized places such as Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Fifth Avenue, the Bowery, Washington Square Park, the Hudson River, the East River, Greenwich Village, Governor's Island, Christopher, Chrystie and Broom Streets, and the Asch Building.

The beginning of the story details what it was like sailing on a ship from Europe to America. The Nolans are in steerage which is much like being a sardine in a can. The trip takes two weeks and is miserable.

The immigrant characters are fascinated and frightened by the streets of New York. Elsa constantly warns them about being in unsafe parts of the city. The Nolans...