Axley

Axley, a small village in England, symbolizes the comfort and confinement of Steve's life at the start of the novel. It represents his stagnation and grief, as he remains rooted in his past and clings to familiar routines after the loss of his wife, Debbie. The town’s quiet, unremarkable nature mirrors Steve’s emotional state, with his days marked by isolation and a lack of purpose. However, as Steve begins to step out of Axley and engage with larger, more chaotic worlds, the town also comes to symbolize the safe haven he needs to return to for grounding and reflection, even as he grows beyond it.

Rosie’s Private Island

Rosie's private island symbolizes her sense of entrapment despite its luxury. While it offers privacy and an escape from the death threats she is being subjected to, it also represents a kind of stasis that Rosie finds...