New York

Most of The Happy Hooker takes place in New York in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Xaviera moves to New York at the behest of Carl Gordon in order to marry him and begin a life there, but he strings her along without ever actually marrying her. After Carl leaves her, Xaviera becomes a call girl and quickly works herself up the ranks to become the madam of her own brothel.

Indonesia

Xaviera is born in Indonesia and lives through internment in a Japanese concentration camp with her parents. Before their imprisonment they live a luxurious life, with two large homes run by servants.

Holland

Xaviera grows up in Holland after her family leaves Indonesia. She eventually grows bored with what she considers Holland's prudish sexuality and moves to South Africa after graduating and working as a secretary for a while.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the...