Emeraldine Hospital

Emeraldine Hospital is the most prominent setting of the novel. This is where Ruth, Robert, and Edward work for most of the novel, though Edward leaves after Robert begins performing lobotomies on his own. While the hospital is described as much better than other psychiatric institutions in terms of accommodations and compassion, there are examples where the doctors act on impulse and treat their patients in harsh ways unless Ruth intervenes. Still, most of the patients are given the best possible care that is known during this era under Ruth's supervision until Robert's lobotomies get out of control. Eventually, Ruth leaves the hospital behind and converts her own home into an aftercare facility for those she feels like she failed.

Magnolia Bluff

Magnolia Bluff is the home that Ruth inherited from her grandparents after their death. Most of her memories with her brother Harry take place at...