Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is a major port in western Saudi Arabia. It borders the Red Sea. It is one of the biggest cities in Saudi Arabia.

Hilary and Gerald spend four years in Jeddah, following their period in Botswana. Hilary published her third novel, Eight Months on Gazzah Street, in 1988, based on her own experiences living in Jeddah. She is quoted saying that leaving Jeddah was "the happiest day of [her] life. 

Botswana is a country located in southern Africa. It is landlocked by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Nambia. 70% of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert, and the country suffers from droughts. 

Hilary and Gerald lived in Botswana for 5 years, from 1977-1982, where Hilary worked as a social worker. She gained inspiration for her first novel while doing her social work in Botswana.

Botswana is a country located in southern Africa. It is landlocked by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Nambia. 70% of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert, and the country suffers from droughts. 

Hilary and Gerald lived in Botswana for 5 years, from 1977-1982, where Hilary worked as a social worker. She gained inspiration for her first novel while doing her social work in Botswana.

Budleigh Salterton is a small coastal town on the mouth of River Otter. It had about 5,000 residents in 2011. The town is known for its beautiful scenery and is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as all kinds of migratory birds find their way over here. 

Hilary Mantel has been living here with her husband, Gerald, for a little over a decade. They bought an apartment in Budleigh Salterton in 2010.