Brooklyn

Brooklyn is the most populous borough in New York City. Larry, the protagonist, has lived his entire life in Brooklyn, as has his father. Thus, Larry is sad when his father chooses to buried in Memphis, where Larry’s sister lives. Larry continues living in Brooklyn as he studies to become a rabbi, and he then takes a teaching job at yeshiva in Brooklyn. At the age of 50, Larry—now Shuli—goes to Jerusalem, and he eventually decides to relocate himself, his wife, and their children there.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a city in Tennessee. Larry’s sister, Dina, lives there with her husband and children, among the city’s Orthodox Jewish community. After her father dies in 1999, she hosts a shivah to honor his memory, and Larry grudgingly attends. Dina demands that Larry take on the Kaddish responsibility. Thus, while Larry is still staying in his sister...