Harlem

Harlem is a central feature in the book. The interdependent black community is home to every comfort and form of assistance, as well as to unthinkable violence. When Joe and Violet move to Harlem, they think it is beyond perfect.

The Trace's Apartment

Joe and Violet Trace live in a comfortable apartment in Harlem. The furniture, although not new, is arranged in a way to provide the maximum convenience to its residents, rather than to impress visitors. The spacious dining room features houseplants against the windows, deep comfortable chairs, and plenty of space for Violet to fix her customers' hair.

The Birds

After Violet attacks the dead girl in her casket, she returns home and frees her birds, putting all of them out the window into the snow. The yellow and green parrot who says "I love you" is unable to fly, and lingers on the window...