New York City

New York City is one of the novel's primary settings. This is the city where Carlisle's parents Isabel and Robert meet and start a life together. The city grants them each a place to pursue their artistic dreams, particularly in the ballet world. However, after Isabel learns that Robert is gay, she leaves the city to raise Carlisle in Ohio. Robert remains in the city, where he lives in the Bank Street apartment with his partner, James.

Throughout her childhood, Carlisle frequently visits New York to spend time with Robert and James. Although she does not grow up here equally, she is attached to the city and longs to move here permanently. For a time, she even attempts to penetrate New York's ballet world, too. When this fails, her relationship with the city changes. She ultimately stops coming to New York after she betrays Robert and...