February 15, 2003

The main narrative takes place on Saturday, February 15, 2003. Although the exact date is never stated in the novel, the date can be inferred from historical context. Most notably, the narrative repeatedly references a very large anti-war protest in London on that day. This event occurred on February 15, 2003 in order to protest Britain’s planned involvement in the invasion of Iraq. Britain and other countries’ armed forces invaded Iraq in March of 2003.

London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, as well as its largest city. The events of the novel take place almost entirely within London’s city limits. Henry lives and works in London. London is the site of the large anti-war protest. Additionally, Henry first encounters Baxter by chance on the streets of London. On the day of the main narrative, Daisy returns to London for the first time in six months, as she was...