In "Last Night in Montreal," the protagonist finds solace in literature, yet her time in small-town libraries often feels monotonous. To cope with the boredom, she starts creating lists as a distraction from her surroundings. These lists, which began when she was just a child, grow to include numerous names that reflect her experiences and connections.

As she moves from one place to another, the names she chooses evolve, illustrating her transient lifestyle. Each name represents a new identity or story, highlighting the theme of change and the way her perspective shifts with each town she inhabits.