Paris

Paris is France’s capital and most populous city. Paris is the novel’s primary setting. Catherine was born and raised in the greater Paris metropolitan area. She occasionally lived in other parts of the country throughout her life, but Paris proper was her primary place of residence throughout most of her life. She raised her two daughters while living in Paris. At the age of 60, Catherine died by suicide in Paris.

New York City

New York City is the most populous city in the United States of America. After Violaine reached adulthood and completed college in France, she moved to New York City. Catherine supported Violaine’s decision, as she viewed this decision as an assertion of personal independence on Violaine’s part. Violaine continued to live in New York City, occasionally returning to Paris to see her family.

Country House

When Catherine was still married to...