What is the importance of Chicago in the novel, The Whole Town’s Talking?

The novel starts in Elmwood Springs, but without a woman living in Chicago, it would have never taken off. Katrina’s move from Chicago is essential to the novel. It is in Chicago that she decides to go to Elmwood Springs and it is also in Chicago that Ander and Beatrice buy their baby stuff. Chicago becomes a place for hope in this novel, and it is the impetus for the characters' well-being.