Detroit

The narrator's journey through his discovery of sexual and personal identity begins in this American city, the location of his prep school.

Eton Prep School

Eton is the school in Detroit the author attends prior to the beginning of his university career. The school is portrayed as being traditional and conservative, so much so that the narrator frequently feels himself driven to escape.

The Art Academy

Across the street from Eton is an art academy to which the narrator flees when he needs to escape from Eton's stifling atmosphere. At the academy he establishes his long-standing friendship with Maria, his admiration of fellow genius Paul, and his enjoyment of bohemian sculptor Ivan, all of whom inspire him to reach for his own sense of freedom and self.

Chicago

The narrator's home is in Chicago. He visits the so-called "Windy City" on his breaks from Eton, and at...