U.S.A., circa 1990s

The majority of Fiona and Jane takes place in America, during the nineties. This is clear through countless references to American bands, slang, and popular clothing at the time. For instance, the following passage introduces Won: “They thought he was stuck up because of the Boyz II Men–inspired cable-knit sweaters; preppy button-down shirts; and cuffed chinos he wore when everyone else sported white tube socks with Adidas slides, size forty waist jeans, and XXL Fruit of the Loom tees” (53). Both Won’s preppy style and the bullies’ oversized, athletic wear are characteristic of the nineties. Such descriptions serve to immerse the reader into the setting and give the novel an authentic feel.

Los Angeles, California

Jane is born in LA. Fiona moves there as a young girl. They grow up in a suburban, Christian neighborhood with lots of other Asian immigrants. Jane remains...