The marsh

The events of the novel take place against a backdrop of lush coastal marshland, in an unspecified location. M and Tony are a two hours’ drive away from the nearest town, and the surrounding area is hilly and wooded, as well as watery. The marsh is a haven of tranquility but also a treacherous place, with dramatic weather and dangerous tides. M closely associates it with Tony, who grew up there. However, she first “fell in love with Tony’s marsh” because the scenery reminded her of L’s work (16). L does eventually make the marsh his subject, in a series of nocturnal paintings.

The second place

The eponymous second place provides snug accommodation for M’s guests (notably L and Brett), and eventually becomes a home for Justine. It stands apart from the main house, on the site of a dilapidated cottage that M and Tony...