Santiago

Santiago is the backdrop of the novel. Julián resides in this Chilean city with his wife Verónica and his stepdaughter Daniela. Julián also teaches at four different universities in the city. He has resided in this location seemingly throughout his life. Recollected scenes from Julián's childhood are never located in a specific region or city.

Julián and Verónica's Apartment

Julián and Verónica's apartment is the primary setting of the novel. Indeed, with the exception of Julián and Daniela's walk to school in Part II, the entirety of the novel takes place in the apartment. Julián first encounters the space when he comes to pick up a cake order from Verónica when he is still dating Karla. Although he notices Verónica's beauty, he is most intrigued by the apartment. This is why he later moves into the...