Lisa Brown’s ‘Living Doll’ tells a dark story of separated twins who remain attached beyond the grave
Forget phantom limbs — what happens when the ghost haunting your thoughts is your dead, formerly conjoined twin?
This is the subject of author and illustrator Lisa Brown’s first graphic novel, “Living Doll.”
Main character Isabel Peabody was once half of a carnival freak show act, “The Extraordinary Peabody Sisters,” with her conjoined twin Jane. When a medical procedure meant to separate the sisters leads to Jane’s death, Isabel finds herself damaged and alone for the very first time in her life.
But Isabel doesn’t stay alone for very long, now missing an arm and a leg, the specter of her dead twin haunts her days as she tries to make sense of her new life.
If that sounds a little dark, it’s supposed to be.
“After years of picture book-making, I am thrilled to create a full-length graphic novel; combining my love of comics, historical fiction and ghost stories,” said Brown. “Long in the works, I am finally able to be as dark as I want to be. I have been delighted and privileged to explore the beautiful performers of an early 20th century freak show, and to tell a story of identity, family, disability and agency.”
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Brown is known for her picture books such as “The Airport Book,” “Vampire Boy’s Good Night” and “Picture the Dead” (with Adele Griffin). She has also collaborated with Lemony Snicket on “The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming,” “29 Myths on the Swinster Pharmacy” and the upcoming “Goldfish Ghost.”
“Living Doll” is projected to be published in 2019 from First Second Books. Until then, check out some preview pages below.
Twitter: @tracycbrown
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