Brooklyn, New York

Brooklyn, New York is the primary backdrop of the novel. The main characters all reside in this borough of New York City. While the majority of the novel takes place inside the confines of the Byrne family’s apartment, some scenes are set on the streets of New York. For example, Garth and Dan take a walk in a Brooklyn park in the novel’s first section. Spending time in this public sphere and around other people influences the way the characters see themselves and each other. The same is true of Isabel’s experiences on the train, in Grand Central, and at work. She enjoys these settings, because they allow her to disappear into anonymity.

Brooklyn changes during the 2020 pandemic. The streets empty out. The city grows quieter. In the past, the city’s predictable noise and movement afforded the characters solace and comfort. Its...