New York, early 20th century

Most of the novel takes place in New York, Jimmy’s home town. On his return to New York, Jimmy fails to feel a close affinity to it, being consumed by his worries about money and distracted by the articles written about him by his previous employer, the Chronicle newspaper. Mr Crocker, on the other hand, feels very much at home on his return, rejoicing that he now is with his people and his beloved game, baseball. When the Pett’s visit London, they are also eager to return to their city. Most of the novel takes place on Riverside Drive in Manhattan in the Pett’s mansion.

The Pett mansion

The Pett mansion is located on Riverside Drive along with a strip of other mansions. It is notable compared to the mansions surrounding it due to its ostentatiousness; “The place resembles in almost...