Rome, Italy

Much of the story occurs in Rome, as this is where Ruth, Iris, and Henry lived for years when Henry was a diplomat. Much of the action occurs in the hospital where Iris goes after she is struck by a vehicle, and in both Sasha's and Iris's apartments. It is in Rome that Iris and Sasha fall in love. Iris stays in Rome to be with Sasha when Ruth leaves following the evacuation orders due to the war.

The Digby's London Flat

In London, Sasha and Iris live in what is called a mansion flat. There is no one in the other flat on their floor, but they are above somebody. The person beneath them complains about how loud her children are and that their running makes her chandeliers shake. It is very inconvenient for a family with small children because there is no garden for them...