Hungary, 1980s

The general setting of the novel is in the country of Hungary (the country where the author lives) in the early-to-mid-1980s, contemporary to when the novel was written. Notably, the Soviet Union—of which Hungary was a part—dissolved in 1989. Although the author was not aware of that fact at the time, the author likely witnessed many sings of the Soviet Union’s destabilization, which are reflected in various aspects of the novel’s plot.

Village/Estate

Most of the novel takes place in an unnamed Hungarian village, which until recently was an incorporated estate of the Soviet government. In other words, the village was structured and organized according to external governmental direction. However, the government has recently disincorporated the estate, potentially due to lack of long-term economic viability. This disincorporation has led to deepening instability and poverty in the lives of the villagers.

Bar

The...