The Elm at the Edge of the Earth

by Robert D. Hale

In the idyllically rural American Midwest, between the wars, young David is farmed out to relatives when his mother is hospitalized with a life-threatening illness. A shy and painfully sensitive only child, David slowly blossoms among the lonely, loving adults of the county home, where his Aunt Maude is head cook.

Genres: Fiction

351 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Scott Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Elm at the Edge of the Earth - By Robert David Hale (not Beverly)

The County home was actually the Genesse County Home (Just south of what is now Batavia, NY) In East Bethany - now the county home is Rolling Hills Asylum. Roy Krause in the Book was a real live person as well as Adeline and the rest of the gang. Pa Fleming - George Fleming was the "Home's" superintendent. Mr. Hale was David in the book and the owner of RHA has spoken to him several times. He confirmed a lot of information regarding the building and its history.

The book opened my eyes to the history of the poor farm. Any questions please contact me: momentumparanormal@yahoo.com

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quiet little book with wonderful characters. It's the story of a little boy temporarily living with an Aunt at the County House, an institution, and the relationships he develops with its residents. Funny, heartwarming and touching.

[Chris Daily · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old-fashioned, feel good kind of book. Told from the point of view of an eight-year-old boy, a series of tales from his life at the County Home that his aunt and uncle run. The escapades of a boy growing up in the country surrounded by the unusual people who all love him.

[Paige Lounsberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve visited this county home many times. Delightful book!

[Blaire]

I'm giving up on this one, which I've been reading for quite some time, so I don't feel justified in giving it a rating. Maybe I'm just not in the mood for nostalgia. The author lovingly paints a picture of rural New England (I'm thinking Vermont) in the 1930's, with a quirky, quaint cast of characters. I think it's mostly memoir, although it's called a novel. The pace is non-existent, there's really no plot, and the characters have failed to interest me. I've read about half of its 350 pages, but other books are calling, so I'm moving on.

[Theadora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories where the plot is just following a time in someone's every day life. I felt for David. The connection he had for David the Incorrigible, I had for him. It beat my heart up when he said he was looking for Rose. Not her body, but the Rose that left her body when she died. I almost cried when he went to Rose's room to tell her he was leaving. I wish he could've stayed at the Country Home.

[Marnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just could not get into this story! I felt disappointed in the lack of connection I felt with most of the characters, save for the lone woman who seemed to have no grip on reality. I wanted more from this, but it never delivered!

[Alice Persons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the library because in one of May Sarton's journals she was reading it and really liked it. It is old-fashioned, well-written and emotionally resonant, just like Sarton's own books. I enjoyed it very much.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in middle school and loved it. I've saved it all these years and have finally decided to give it another whirl.

[Kwoomac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, nostalgic story of an eight year old boy who lives one precious summer at his Aunt Maude's home-which happens to be a sanatorium. full of quirky friends.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Peg!

[Jackie]

no rcls

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my all time favorite books

[Lfriedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story.