The setting isn't described in great detail, but it's clear that the story unfolds primarily in the present day and takes place in various locations, including:
* Dina's apartment: This is where she spends most of her time, as her life is dominated by her thoughts and her online relationship.
* The unnamed man's location: While never specified, it's implied that he lives in a different city and may travel frequently for work.
* Online spaces: The internet and social media play a crucial role in their relationship, as they mostly communicate through emails and online platforms.
* Bars and restaurants: Dina often goes out to these places, experiencing a sense of isolation and anxiety even when surrounded by others.
The atmosphere of the novel is one of intense emotional turmoil, with a sense of restlessness, longing, and despair permeating the story. The physical setting often reflects these internal struggles, with descriptions of claustrophobic apartments and the relentless hum of the city, symbolizing Dina's sense of entrapment and the overwhelming pressures of modern life.
It's important to note that the setting in "Swallowing Stones" is not simply a backdrop but rather a powerful force shaping the characters' experiences and contributing to the novel's overall themes of love, obsession, and the search for connection in a disconnected world.