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Caleb Sylvest asked this question about Motherless Brooklyn:
What year does the story take place? I'm trying to get my bearings on the setting. Lionel mentions first working for Minna at the age of 13 in 1979 (was that it?).
Caleb Sylvest I will answer my own question here for anyone else trying to figure it out.

The time period is the 90s, somewhere between 1993 and 1999. I couldn't nai…moreI will answer my own question here for anyone else trying to figure it out.

The time period is the 90s, somewhere between 1993 and 1999. I couldn't nail it down but here are a few markers:

• The name change of Prince is mentioned, which took place in 1993.
• Characters carry around beepers as a primary means of contact.
• There are cellular phones, but they are the big bulky bag type some people had in their cars. And expensive to use.
• The book was published in 1999.(less)
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Motherless Brooklyn
by Jonathan Lethem
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