‘Under One Roof-How a Tough Old Woman in a Little House Changed my Life’

Barry Martin and Philip Lerman

Harper Collins, €14.99

ADVERTISEMENT

This week, we thought we’d venture across the Atlantic for a novel about an old woman, a middle aged man and the impact they both had on each other lives. ‘Under One Roof’ is based on the true life story of Edith Wilson Macefield, a strong willed old woman who lived in her 108 year old farmhouse for most of her life.

When developers knocked on the door stating they were building a shopping centre and wanted to knock down her home, you can imagine what she said. Even when they offered her one million dollars, her answer remains the same.

That’s when Barry Martin arrives on the scene. As head of the construction project, his tactic with Ms Wilson Macefield is to kill her with kindness, making things as easy for her as possible. He was there to help. Of course, he didn’t expect her to ask him to drive her to the hairdresser, but that’s where it started-this unlikely but life changing friendship.

When Edith’s health deteriorates, Barry realises there is no one in her life to care for her. Knowing it’s the right thing to do, he assumes the role as carer as well as friend, doing everything from insulin injections to personal hygiene. That’s not to say that there isn’t a far share of arguments thrown in between the two of them.

We’ll be honest-some elements of the book are quite questionable, even though it’s a true story. As Barry cares for this old woman what happened to the life he had before Edith?

Also ‘Under One Roof’ isn’t going to win any Booker Prizes for the beauty of its language nor will it have you crying as it faces the issues of life and death.

So what’s the strength of this novel? Well first of all, Edith’s real life story is fascinating, her commitment to hold on to, “the things that are important to you” is simply inspiring.

Also the down to earth narration of Barry is deeply honest. He doesn’t sugar coat the fact that sometimes he wants to quit, he doesn’t lie that this opinionated old lady often tests his patience but he is certain that caring for her in her final days is the right thing to do. Certainly, if you’ve ever cared for the elderly, it is an important book to read and reflect upon.

Finally, here is an entertaining fact. For those who loved the film ‘Up’, you might be interested to know that in 2009, Disney actually attached balloons to Edith’s home symbolising the similarities between the characters, who were resistant in face of development.