Novilla

Novilla is the main setting for the novel. Simon and David arrive in Novilla to begin a new life and the story of the novel follows their path as they forge, and eventually destroy, their new life here. Novilla is characterized by something the characters refer to as “goodwill” in which the bare minimum of kindness and generosity is shown by everyone to everyone, but the emotional tone of the city and its people never reaches any greater emotional depth or passion. This lack of passion unsettles Simon but, as the novel progresses, it seems more and more likely that the people of Novilla have found a higher level of spiritual fulfillment and that it is Simon who is lacking something important in his approach to others, rather than the people of Novilla.

Relocation Center

The Relocation Center is the first place that Simon and David go to...