Germany

Germany is the overarching setting of the novel and the homeland of the characters. Annelise and Walter must flee Germany once unfair regulations are levied against German Jews before World War II. They often dream of returning to Germany when they think about their past lives, but they know they might not be able to return in their lifetimes to the Germany they remember.

United States

The United States is the secondary setting of the novel where the characters emigrate after leaving Germany. They often stay together in German and Jewish communities, a small way to maintain connection to their homeland.

Bakery

Annelise grew up working in her family’s bakery in Germany. She often dreaded the work and wanted to find ways to avoid the labor and cleanup, much to her mother’s chagrin. Eventually, she misses the relative calm and quiet of her previous life, yearning...