What is the importance of St. Eber in the book, J: A Novel?

St. Eber is an inland town that is known for its clay production. St. Eber is located not too far from Port Reuben. It is the home of Gutkind. There, he lives alone with his cat. St. Eber is visited by Densdell later in the novel, where he learns that Gutkind has surmised about the truth behind WHAT HAPPENED. It is in St. Eber that Gutkind is brutally murdered, having his throat cut by Densdell.