California

California is the novel's primary setting. The Alvarado family has lived in Southern California for as long as most of them can remember. Shortly after meeting in Mexico and marrying, Keila and Oscar relocated to Oscar's native California and started a family. They raise their family in the L.A. region, and see the place as home. In the narrative present, the characters become particularly troubled by the state's devastating drought. Eventually they realize they must do anything in their power to protect the place they love so much.

The House

The Alvarado family house is located in the L.A. area of Southern California. Keila and Oscar have raised their three daughters here. They continue living in the house in the narrative present. Patricia also lives here with her son Daniel. Though the family is not always together at the house, they gather here weekly for family...