Synopses & Reviews
Sometimes people arent who you think they are.
Everyone knew what was going on in Ballard, Washington: developers were building a giant shopping mall, but a house belonging to a feisty octogenarian named Edith Wilson Macefield was in the way. They offered her a million dollars. She told them to take a hike.
Everyone knew that Barry Martin, head of the construction project, was involved in the push to get her out of the house so that the project could proceed without further delay.
Everyone was wrong.
When Barry took the job as construction supervisor for the shopping mall that was being erected around Ediths little house, he determined to make things as easy for her as he could. He didnt expect that shed ask him to drive her to a hair appointment—but he did offer to help, after all. And it was in that one small gesture that an unlikely friendship was sparked, one that changed them both forever.
The story of Barry Martin and Edith Macefield is a tale of balance and compassion, of giving enough without giving too much, of helping our elderly loved ones through the tough times without taking away their dignity. In the end, Under One Roof is a tale of grace, and one from which all of us can take solace and strength. From Barry and Edith we have much to learn about love and letting go and, just possibly, about seeing through fading light to find great joy.
Review
“UNDER ONE ROOF provides living proof that love often comes when its least expected, and most needed. This heartwarming book is a testament to the power of friendship, no matter how different those friends may be. I couldnt put it down.” --Dr. David Dosa, author of Making the Rounds with Oscar
“This lovely tale reminds us that in the rush of our liveswe might suddenly turn a corner and meet a stranger who delivers us to a deeper understanding of our place and purpose in the world. Barry Martin has written a story for the age we find ourselves in now, when we need to discover once again that our shared humanity is what we have in common, and it matters more than all those things that divide us.”
--Don Snyder, author Of Time and Memory
Review
“Told with frankness and sincerity, Martin, with the assistance of former USA Today editor Lerman, skillfully blends his deep desire to aid Edith with his frustrations with this cantankerous woman, his need to spend time with his own children and wife, and his thoughts and feelings toward his ailing parents. With a bit of humor and the determination to do right by this stranger-turned-close friend, Martin was able to help Edith do as she wished . . . A tender tribute to Edith and her will to do things her way.”
--Kirkus
“Martins memoir of his relationship with Edith is heartfelt and homespun. The wisdom he shares—you figure out the right thing to do, and you do it—will undoubtedly resonate with and inspire others struggling to care for elderly relatives or friends.” --Booklist
“UNDER ONE ROOF provides living proof that love often comes when its least expected, and most needed. This heartwarming book is a testament to the power of friendship, no matter how different those friends may be. I couldnt put it down.” --Dr. David Dosa, author of Making the Rounds with Oscar
“This lovely tale reminds us that in the rush of our liveswe might suddenly turn a corner and meet a stranger who delivers us to a deeper understanding of our place and purpose in the world. Barry Martin has written a story for the age we find ourselves in now, when we need to discover once again that our shared humanity is what we have in common, and it matters more than all those things that divide us.”
--Don Snyder, author Of Time and Memory
“Under One Roof is a charming story and a blueprint for how to deal lovingly with the aging process. With compassion and humanity, Barry takes care of Edith and lets her make her own choices. Poignant and highly readable.” -Father Pat Connor, author of Whom Not to Marry: Time-Tested Advice from a Higher Authority
Synopsis
The inspiring true story of the bond between a feisty octogenarian and the man in charge of building an enormous shopping mall around her home
Edith Macefield achieved folk hero status in 2006 when she turned down $1 million to sell her home to make way for a commercial development in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. It didnt matter that her tiny house was surrounded by rubble and graffiti. It was home. Barry Martin respected that, and when he took the job as construction supervisor for the shopping mall that was being erected around Ediths little house, he determined to make things as easy as he could for Edith. He gave her his cell number and told her to call if she needed anything. And she did.
The day Edith asked Barry to drive her to a hair appointment, an unlikely friendship was sparked, one that changed them both forever. As Barry helps Edith through the last days of her life, she helps him deal with the effects of the Alzheimers that is diminishing his beloved father. She learns to laugh and let go. He learns about compassion and grace—and the comparable joys of Walkers shortbread cookies.
About the Author
BARRY MARTIN is a career-construction foreman following in the footsteps of his father. He is a Seattle native where he lives with his wife and near his two children and new grandchild.
PHILIP LERMAN, former co-executive producer of America's Most Wanted and former national editor of USA Today, has co-authored five books including the New York Times bestseller No Mercy. His writing has appeared in USA Today, Newsday, The Washington Post, USA Weekend, Washingtonian Magazine,and the Jewish Times.