Harriet Lee

Harriet Lee is the protagonist of the novel. In the narrative present, she is in her thirties, and the daughter of 17-year-old Perdita. Living in London, she attempts to maintain a balanced and predictable life by teaching classes and participating in her daughter's education and life. Despite this work to achieve normalcy, however, is a guise for her longtime attachment to her former life in Druhástrana and her longing for reconnection with her childhood friend Gretel.

As an adult, Harriet's connection with her mother Margot remains rich and meaningful. Her relationship with her daughter, however, proves more difficult. Her inability to effectively communicate with Perdita frustrates and disappoints her. When Perdita goes missing from school and she is unable to contact her, Harriet grows frantic. Once she finally finds her drugged and unconscious in her room, Harriet realizes that her present life is merging with her...