New York City

The entirety of the novel is set in New York City. However, in each of the novel's three main sections, the era in which New York is depicted changes. Book 1, "Washington Square," is set in 1890s New York. Book 2, "Lipo-wao-nahele," is set in 1990s New York. Book 3, "Zone Eight," is set over the course of 2040s and 2090s New York. In each book, the appearance of the city, therefore changes. The New York City of Book 1 is a part of the fictional Free States society. In this world, New York citizens are free to live with and marry individuals of the same sex. Yet New York is a homogenous culture, particularly unfriendly to Black individuals. The New York City of Book 2 appears most similar to the reader's understanding of twentieth century New York. The New York City of Book 3 appears entirely unfamiliar, as the city has...