Perote, Bullock County, Alabama

Riley visits Perote before heading to Gigi’s funeral. She describes, “The town is neither welcoming nor threatening, but it is depressing” (168). Riley stops there to visit the lynching memorial. The experience helps her mourn Jimmy, Gigi’s cousin.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The majority of the novel takes place in Philadelphia. It is the city where Riley and Jen grew up. Riley moves back to Philadelphia after a brief stint in Birmingham. Despite being back, she rarely sees Jen, as she tends to prioritize her job. After Justin’s shooting, Philadelphia’s political landscape alters drastically. Protests erupt across the city, both violent and nonviolent. At the end of the novel, Riley decides to stay in Philadelphia while Jen chooses to move away.

Gigi’s old house

Riley’s visit to her ancestral home brings up a range of emotions for her. She describes, “I take...