In Thomas Pynchon's "The Crying of Lot 49," the depiction of California locations reveals a fragmented landscape. Rather than presenting recognizable cities, these places represent a collection of concepts including census tracts, special districts, and shopping areas. This illustrates a modern reality where urban regions are not clearly defined entities but rather a complex mesh of developments and infrastructures.

The narrative suggests that California's geography is characterized by a disorientation, with each area connected by an intricate web of access roads to freeways. This layering of various purposes and identities further emphasizes a sense of disconnection in what might traditionally be considered a cohesive city. Pynchon captures the essence of a postmodern society where traditional notions of place and community are blurred and redefined.