Stump Creek, West Virginia

Stump Creek, West Virginia is the birthplace of Henry Lightcap and the current home of Will Lightcap. Henry spends the novel driving across the country to return to Stump Creek.

Tuscon, Arizona

Tuscon, Arizona is the current home of Henry Lightcap and the setting in which the novel begins. Henry leaves Tuscon behind him to return to his roots in West Virginia.

Krauts

The word "kraut" is a derogatory term in the novel used to describe German soldiers in the war.

Juniper

Juniper is a bush that grows in the Southwest. Henry uses this plant as toilet paper in the novel.

Village Plaza, El Culito

Village Plaza, El Culito is the location Henry takes his first wife to live. The area is extremely run down and poor, but Henry secures a job as a caretaker for the area and moves him and his wife...