The Place He Made

by Edie Clark

"This is a story I never thought I would tell. It is the story of a love, the love I shared with a man who came into my life almost surreptitiously, a man who loved me in the most complete way and then died. If he had not died, I would not be telling this story..."

Writer and editor Edie Clark was not expecting love to enter her life with a young carpenter named Paul Bolton. She was facing the realities of a failing marriage, while Paul was a shy, gentle, but sometimes troubled man. Yet together they nurtured a love and built a married life as beautiful and enduring as the simple rustic cottage Paul restored for Edie. And in the time they shared, they would find extraordinary grace and strength, and see their lives transformed by the power of love.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 1995

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up my 4.5 rating on this beautifully written, tearjerker of a memoir. On paper Paul Bolton didn't sound like the romantic lead in anyone's story, but Edie was astute enough to see the "magnificent" person he could be. It's a beautiful, tragic, yet heartwarming love story. Sadly, some stories don't have happy-ever-after endings, which is a reminder to us all to cherish every day we share with our loved ones.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Place He Made is a beautiful book that brought tears to my eyes many times. At one point, I had to stop reading it on the subway so that I could remain composed all the way to work. Edie Clark captures the unfairness of life in her memoir, all while maintaining the dignified stand that you take the most from what life gives you, fair or unfair. Make sure you are reading this book in a setting where you feel comfortable letting tears fall.

[Disco Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this after Edie's death a month ago. I had not remembered how brief her marriage to Paul had been before his cancer diagnosis. Just a year, then four years of treatment before his death. Like Edie's essays in Yankee during that interval, this book packs an emotional punch. The writing is clear headed and at the same time intensely personal. The topic is grim, yet somehow the book is not grim.

Edie wrote this book as a way to remember Paul and record her love for him. The dedication is "to Paul, because this is the only thing left I could do." The book serves as well as a way for us to remember her. Godspeed, Edie.

[Maggie Shanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good true love story. Edie met Paul when he was just a crusty odd-ball laborer. Her peers told her their relationship would never work, in fact she was not even divorced yet. Paul was a carpenter who could build cupboards without using a nail, who could fix old barns and bring worn out houses back to life, but many people never saw past his struggles with mental illness. Edie not only saw past his struggles, she helped him grow in confidence and love.

[Bernadette Frenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-rending memoir about the 5 year marriage of the author, a writer for Yankee magazine, & a carpenter, who was an unusual man, who changed significantly during the course of their brief marriage. The story is a testament to the power of love to transform people. It's also a story about illness, cancer, the health care system, resilience, faith & the human spirit. Very sad story but ultimately uplifting.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I related to this book on several levels: I had a spouse treated at Dana-Farber etc. Edie relates Paul’s and her story in a warm yet very honest manner that made me want to read on. It is an uplifting memoir despite the serious topics.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! I felt as if I knew Paul personally. It will make you cry!

[Teri Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Michele Hickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very nice book about the strength of love.

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book m

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the years reading Edie Clark's column, Mary's Place, in Yankee Magazine grew a tremendous respect of her as a person and writer. I thought, "Why not see what else she has written?" I guess I didn't do my research very thoroughly, because I expected the book to be about building a house. Yes, I knew Clark's husband had died, but I sure didn't expect what I got. In fact, had I read the word "cancer", I probably wouldn't have picked up the book. And that would have been a great loss. This is one of the best-written, most profound and touching books I've ever read. I feel reading it transformed something in me. While I am a passionate reader, most of my personal growth comes from personal experience, but somehow this, and a scant few others, this book became a personal experience.

[Sarah Pascarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw a woman reading "The Place He Made" on the subway the other day, and even though it had been years since I had read it, a flock of the book's scenes and images flurried up in my mind. Such is the power and impact of this beautifully crafted book, written by one of my all-time favorite professors. It's a love letter both to the author's deceased husband and the home they built together, and Clark's warmth, compassion, and honesty come through in spades. I only wish the book had gotten more recognition upon its publication run, and it's a damn shame that it's out of print.

[Reanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to compile a list of my favorites, this book would definitely be on it. A moving, emotional story of love, failures, and loss. (Trying not to completely spoil it) It's the little things in between that made the book for me. The book is out of print (I think) but well worth tracking down.

[Sherry Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book touched me so deeply. Such an intensely sweet story of love and acceptance. My beloved paper back copy got ruined in a flood at my home and i would love to have another with the cover that has the house on it. I have read it about 3 times and would love to read it again. if anyone has a copy they are willing to sell i'd love to buy it from you.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always loved the author's use of language in her articles written for Yankee magazine. Her memoir has the same flavor. The author writes lovingly about meeting her second husband & the life they shared before tragedy struck.

[Whimsical · Rating 3 out of 5]

A poweful and moving love story--a tear jerker!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow and steady but sweet and sad, I didn't enjoy this book as much as Edie's others. However, I really like the fact that the story takes place near my home, and I appreciate Edie's honesty.

[Susan Carr]

Enjoyable read of Edie's relationship and marriage to her second husband [who died of cancer].