Chicago

The novel is set in Chicago, Illinois, which is the third most populous city in the United States. Around the year 1980, the protagonist moves to Chicago after graduating from college. There, he works as a journalist for a Catholic newspaper, and he lives in an apartment on Chicago’s north side. The protagonist spends much of his time exploring the city and trying to define Chicago’s particular civic identity. The novel portrays Chicago as heavily defined by it heterogeneous and multifaceted society.

Apartment Building

The protagonist resides in an apartment building on the north side of Chicago. The building is owned by Ms. Elminides, and its original owner was Elminides’ grandfather. The building has 8 apartments and about 50 residents, including Mr. Pawlowsky, Edward, Denesh, a department store detective named Horace, an Armenia librettist, a former actress named Eugenia, Mrs. Manfredi, and Mr. McGinty.

Greece

Ms. Elminides is originally...