Low Point/New Waterford

Low Point is a small town on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. The town becomes more populated and developed as men come to work in the coal mines. It is later named New Waterford. When James and Materia are first married, Mr. Mahmoud builds them a house in Low Point so that they will not be homeless should James fail in business. The majority of the novel takes place in and around New Waterford.

New York City, New York

New York City is where Kathleen goes to study voice when she is eighteen years old. It is also the place where James and Materia initially dream of going someday. New York City symbolizes success for them. It is in New York that Kathleen meets and falls in love with Rose Lacroix, her accompanist.

Number 12 Colliery

The Number 12 Colliery is the main coal...