The book is set in England during World War II (specifically the early 1940s). The main settings are:
* A small village in Yorkshire: The story is primarily set in a rural community where Ryan, the main character, lives with his family. This idyllic setting contrasts with the harsh realities of war.
* The nearby city of York: Ryan and his family travel to York for shopping and other purposes, experiencing the city's changed atmosphere due to wartime conditions.
* The countryside: The novel features scenes of Ryan roaming the nearby countryside, experiencing the natural world and its beauty, a contrast to the war's horrors.
The setting plays a significant role in the story, as the characters grapple with the impact of the war on their lives and their environment. The rural setting provides a sense of normalcy and peace, while the city and the countryside offer glimpses of the war's devastation and the struggles of those affected by it.