The Morningside

The Morningside is the novel's primary setting. The Morningside is a towering apartment complex located in Island City's Battle Hill neighborhood. For years, the building has "been the jewel" of the area (9). When Sil and her mother move to the Morningside in Book I, the building is the primary settlement for members of the Repopulation Program. Sil's aunt Ena has "been serving as superintendent [here] for about ten years," and welcomes Sil and her mother into her small apartment with her (9). Over the course of the following months, Sil settles in to life at the Morningside. Because her childhood has been defined by constant change and unpredictability thus far, she is hopeful that the Morningside will be more peaceful.

Sil's life at the Morningside changes in three intervals. After her aunt's death, the Morningside becomes lonelier and more threatening. After Mila moves in, the Morningside becomes more...