Where It All Goes Down
Bethesda, Maryland; Tokyo; Kyoto
Most of If Only takes place in Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. The author's from DC, so she's writing what she knows, but with the exception of a mention of Georgetown Cupcake, location doesn't play a huge role in the story. Which is kind of the point: Corinna could be any kid, anywhere, which allows readers to relate.
When Corinna and her dad visit Japan, though, location becomes more important. Here they bond over being outsiders. It's interesting because they've sort of been outsiders back in DC this entire time—people aren't sure how to engage them in their grief—but by geographically becoming outsiders, Corinna and her dad are finally able to come together over this status. The Japan section is brief, but Corinna and her dad return home united. Yay.