Maryland

The novel is set in an unnamed, semi-rural town in Maryland. Many of the town residents make a living by fishing for crab in the nearby river. There are some socioeconomic tensions in the town, as many of the residents are somewhat impoverished, and new, wealthy residents are moving in and buying land. These socioeconomic tensions inform some elements of the story, such as Digger’s resentment towards the DiAngelo family.

Corsica River

The Corsica River is a river in Maryland. Brady and his family live near the river. Brady and his father make money by fishing for crabs in the river. One day, Mrs. DiAngelo takes her young son Ben out on the river in a kayak. The kayak sinks (due to holes drilled in it by Digger and J.T.) and Ben dies as a result. Brady is deeply traumatized, especially since he is the one...