New York City, 1936

The novel’s main narrative takes place during a period of about five days in New York City. The novel was published in 1944, but its story takes place in the year 1936. The narrative follows Don as he drinks heavily and almost continuously during these five days. His brother, Wick, had planned to take him to the country to help him maintain sobriety, but Don evades Wick at the beginning of the story and remains in the city to drink.

Don’s Apartment

Don lives in an apartment on 59th Street in Manhattan. He is unemployed, and the apartment rent is paid for by Don’s brother, Wick. Wick likely also pays for Don’s other expenses, such as food. For obvious reasons, Wick does not purchase alcohol for Don. Don often goes to bars to drink, but he also often buys liquor from stores and drinks...