Elizabeth Eastlake aka Libbit

Elizabeth Eastlake, known as Libbit when she was young, is an elderly woman, about 85, in the majority of the novel. She suffers with early-onset Alzheimer’s making it difficult for Wireman and Edgar to know when Elizabeth is rambling and when they should pay attention to what she is saying.

When Elizabeth was three, she fell from a pony cart and hit the right side of her head. She lost what language skills she had and suffered seizures. Elizabeth, however, developed an ability to draw and paint, a talent she used to communicate with others and become reacquainted with herself.

Elizabeth’s artwork was guided by Noveen, a doll who spoke to Elizabeth. It is suggested that Perse was using the doll as a mouthpiece to get Elizabeth to do what she wanted her to do. Noveen suggested to Elizabeth that it would be fun...