What do you think?
Rate this book
Full House (Kindle Single)
A Vintage Shorts “Short Story Month” Original Selection
They hadn’t intended it to be a full house. Dee and Liam had thought that their children would leave home one by one and come to see them on weekends. Wouldn’t that be nice? But Helen had never left; Rosie got married but not for long; Anthony writes songs and will be a sensation someday. And Dee wonders what she did wrong. Instead of enjoying her “old age,” she is taking care of everyone else. When a crisis occurs Dee takes charge and decides that something has to change—much to everyone’s surprise.
Beloved storyteller and internationally bestselling author Maeve Binchy left a treasure trove of unpublished short stories after her death. “Full House” is everything we’ve come to expect from Binchy’s work—a world of charm, joy and sorrow, where we return again and again to be instructed and warmed. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Book Awards in 1999 and the Irish PEN/A.T. Cross Award in 2007 and is the author of many bestselling books including Maeve’s Times, Chestnut Street, and A Week in Winter.
An eBook short.
They hadn’t intended it to be a full house. Dee and Liam had thought that their children would leave home one by one and come to see them on weekends. Wouldn’t that be nice? But Helen had never left; Rosie got married but not for long; Anthony writes songs and will be a sensation someday. And Dee wonders what she did wrong. Instead of enjoying her “old age,” she is taking care of everyone else. When a crisis occurs Dee takes charge and decides that something has to change—much to everyone’s surprise.
Beloved storyteller and internationally bestselling author Maeve Binchy left a treasure trove of unpublished short stories after her death. “Full House” is everything we’ve come to expect from Binchy’s work—a world of charm, joy and sorrow, where we return again and again to be instructed and warmed. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Book Awards in 1999 and the Irish PEN/A.T. Cross Award in 2007 and is the author of many bestselling books including Maeve’s Times, Chestnut Street, and A Week in Winter.
An eBook short.
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
442 people are currently reading
2566 people want to read
About the author
Maeve Binchy
258 books5,032 followersAnne Maeve Binchy Snell was an Irish novelist, playwright, short story writer, columnist, and speaker. Her novels were characterised by a sympathetic and often humorous portrayal of small-town life in Ireland, and surprise endings. Her novels, which were translated into 37 languages, sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Her death at age 73, announced by Vincent Browne on Irish television late on 30 July 2012, was mourned as the death of one of Ireland's best-loved and most recognisable writers.
She appeared in the US market, featuring on The New York Times Best Seller list and in Oprah's Book Club. Recognised for her "total absence of malice" and generosity to other writers, she finished third in a 2000 poll for World Book Day, ahead of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Stephen King.
She appeared in the US market, featuring on The New York Times Best Seller list and in Oprah's Book Club. Recognised for her "total absence of malice" and generosity to other writers, she finished third in a 2000 poll for World Book Day, ahead of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Stephen King.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
February 1, 2021
January 31, 2021: This is a great short story to read. It only ever takes about an hour and I just love it from beginning to end. Binchy really is one of the few authors I found that can spin a short story like no one's business. It's why I go back to her short story collections repeatedly throughout the year. Especially when I hit a reading slump. I decided to make sure I count all of my re-reads this year. Prior to 2021 I didn't really put much thought into re-reads and would just not count them. But I decided to do so just to see what really are my favorite books. So far Binchy is winning by a mile.
Original review:
What can I say. It's a Maeve Binchy short story and I devour these things like chocolate. Anytime I am feeling under the weather I will bust out one of her books or short story collections and read for a bit. Since her death, I have found that I don't have every one of her books in my possession. So I decided this year I was going to make sure I got around to reading all of her works this year.
For long time fans of Maeve Binchy this is a great short story. We get some glimpses of prior characters we met in older Binchy works (Scarlet Feather, Heart and Soul, Minding Frankie) and we get some insight into a family that we have never heard of before.
Dee Nolan loves her three adult children, but is getting a bit tired of being expected to cook and clean up after them. Returning home one day to find out her husband Liam is about to be laid off, she finally decides to do something about the fact that she and her husband have managed to raise three oblivious and at times thoughtless children.
I don't know how Maeve Binchy is able to instill such life into the characters we meet in this short story. Right off the bat I felt for Dee and Liam. I can't imagine how happy I would be if I was always running around after my adult kids who seem to expect it. I mean we get one scene where Dee is telling the children about their father being laid off and they all just want to know about supper. I would have been smacking some heads with a frying pan, that's just me though.
We hear more about Rosie, Helen, and Anthony through a series of texts they send to each other and some more scenes we get when they start to realize that their mother is not going to clean/cook for them anymore and also decides to let their rooms in order to bring in extra income.
The writing is typical Binchy which to me is it's excellent. There is one scene that stood out in my mind. Dee the mother is getting extra work in order to provide for the household. The job is at the same place that her daughter Rosie works in, and Rosie tells her mother to not speak to her while she's there. I mean, can you imagine?
The flow works really well, and man oh man I wish that this had been longer. I was enjoying the story a lot.
The ending made me shake my head, because in typical Binchy fashion you get the sense the children still don't get what the big deal was and that they still feel outrage towards their mother who decided she wasn't going to be their unpaid servant anymore.
Original review:
What can I say. It's a Maeve Binchy short story and I devour these things like chocolate. Anytime I am feeling under the weather I will bust out one of her books or short story collections and read for a bit. Since her death, I have found that I don't have every one of her books in my possession. So I decided this year I was going to make sure I got around to reading all of her works this year.
For long time fans of Maeve Binchy this is a great short story. We get some glimpses of prior characters we met in older Binchy works (Scarlet Feather, Heart and Soul, Minding Frankie) and we get some insight into a family that we have never heard of before.
Dee Nolan loves her three adult children, but is getting a bit tired of being expected to cook and clean up after them. Returning home one day to find out her husband Liam is about to be laid off, she finally decides to do something about the fact that she and her husband have managed to raise three oblivious and at times thoughtless children.
I don't know how Maeve Binchy is able to instill such life into the characters we meet in this short story. Right off the bat I felt for Dee and Liam. I can't imagine how happy I would be if I was always running around after my adult kids who seem to expect it. I mean we get one scene where Dee is telling the children about their father being laid off and they all just want to know about supper. I would have been smacking some heads with a frying pan, that's just me though.
We hear more about Rosie, Helen, and Anthony through a series of texts they send to each other and some more scenes we get when they start to realize that their mother is not going to clean/cook for them anymore and also decides to let their rooms in order to bring in extra income.
The writing is typical Binchy which to me is it's excellent. There is one scene that stood out in my mind. Dee the mother is getting extra work in order to provide for the household. The job is at the same place that her daughter Rosie works in, and Rosie tells her mother to not speak to her while she's there. I mean, can you imagine?
The flow works really well, and man oh man I wish that this had been longer. I was enjoying the story a lot.
The ending made me shake my head, because in typical Binchy fashion you get the sense the children still don't get what the big deal was and that they still feel outrage towards their mother who decided she wasn't going to be their unpaid servant anymore.
September 23, 2022
Dee felt a huge tiredness across her shoulders, the kind of tiredness that might never go away. How had it got to this? Was she responsible for their selfishness? Was it her fault they contributed nothing at all to the running of the house? Was it Liam's fault? (PG. 26)
Yes yes, I know Maeve Binchy's writing is formulaic and maybe a bit predictable, but dude! Man!, can she write about characters! And the dialogue is engaging, a little hardship with a light at the end of it. She doesn't write about the mundane extra dramatic problems the rich have. She writes about the working class, something you and I can relate to. I've read MANY of her novels and I enjoy getting to know this small town and it's characters. Author's like Taylor Jenkins-Reid try Maeve's formula of crossing characters into each story and then giving them their own voice but only the Queen can pull this off.
Okay, enough praise for this wonderful Dublin lady. The story was a sweet read and where there's a problem there's a solution. If you've got three selfish adults that are your children still living with you and do not pay rent or groceries..... This book is for you!!
Loved it... Short and to the point.
Yes yes, I know Maeve Binchy's writing is formulaic and maybe a bit predictable, but dude! Man!, can she write about characters! And the dialogue is engaging, a little hardship with a light at the end of it. She doesn't write about the mundane extra dramatic problems the rich have. She writes about the working class, something you and I can relate to. I've read MANY of her novels and I enjoy getting to know this small town and it's characters. Author's like Taylor Jenkins-Reid try Maeve's formula of crossing characters into each story and then giving them their own voice but only the Queen can pull this off.
Okay, enough praise for this wonderful Dublin lady. The story was a sweet read and where there's a problem there's a solution. If you've got three selfish adults that are your children still living with you and do not pay rent or groceries..... This book is for you!!
Loved it... Short and to the point.
November 2, 2013
Dear Ms. Binchy,
How I miss your words. Your way of writing that captured the very essence of family life with all its imperfections and blessings has always touched my heart and I often find myself thinking back to your best works, remembering the characters whose lives touched mine. This last unread book, so very small, has been sitting on my bedside table, tempting me since your death to pick it up and read it. I've waited for a while, though, wanting to put off this last moment of savoring your wisdom for the first time. Today was the perfect day to finally open its cover and jump in. In this short story, you gave a wonderful look into the heart of a mother who must learn, after years of coddling, to give her children a dose of tough love. The effect on her family - and her marriage - is dramatic and touching, as your writing always is. I only wish it had been longer, for I read it in an hour and was so sad to put it down. I will always miss your magical pen, Maeve, but I'm thankful for the way you blessed my life with it.
A Grateful Reader
How I miss your words. Your way of writing that captured the very essence of family life with all its imperfections and blessings has always touched my heart and I often find myself thinking back to your best works, remembering the characters whose lives touched mine. This last unread book, so very small, has been sitting on my bedside table, tempting me since your death to pick it up and read it. I've waited for a while, though, wanting to put off this last moment of savoring your wisdom for the first time. Today was the perfect day to finally open its cover and jump in. In this short story, you gave a wonderful look into the heart of a mother who must learn, after years of coddling, to give her children a dose of tough love. The effect on her family - and her marriage - is dramatic and touching, as your writing always is. I only wish it had been longer, for I read it in an hour and was so sad to put it down. I will always miss your magical pen, Maeve, but I'm thankful for the way you blessed my life with it.
A Grateful Reader
May 15, 2020
Typical Binchy fare. Comfort reading, and a new one for me.
September 3, 2014
Lovely story as all Maeve's are. My first iBook, I think I probably missed holding the book in the old fashioned way. Great story that flows from one character to the next, with a mix of characters that were enjoyable and relatable. Easy read and highly recommended. What a lovely lady Mrs Binchy must have been!
October 2, 2016
For a comfort read this is a goodie - a mini family drama
May 19, 2015
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read Full House by Maeve Binchy. What can I say? We all have our guilty pleasures. One of mine is the occasional novel by Maeve Binchy. It brings me back to lazy summers in my late teens when I devoured her books. It also reminds me of my father who always read very serious books about history, politics and law, punctuated by the occasional mystery, thriller or novel by Anne Tyler or Maeve Binchy (I know there is no comparison between these two authors...) "Smart treacle", "compassionate pap"? Not sure what to call her style, but her books still fit the bill as a occasional "comfort reading". Full House appears to have been published a few years ago. It is short and focuses on a middle aged couple trying to get their adult kids to finally leave home. It was a bit on the shorti side so it read like a story with a single minded theme -- but it was still classic Binchy and a good reminder to pick up one of her books from time to time.
July 8, 2020
This is a story about a family in which life is too cosy and convenient for the younger generation to dream of leaving home, even well into their adulthood. Their overstressed mother, Dee, is sick and exhausted at being expected to wait on them all hand and foot, and hold down an essential job, while they take it all for granted, until Dee, at her wits’ end, conceives a brilliant plan determined to make them all “grow up” and face facts.
June 2, 2023
Sometimes the people you love most are the hardest to live with!
Dee loves her children very much, but now that they are all grown up, isn't it time they left home?
Rosie moved out when she got married, but it didn't work out, so now she is back with her parents. Helen is a teacher and doesn't earn enough for a place of her own. Anthony writes songs and is just waiting for the day when someone will pay him for them. Until then, all three are happy at home. It doesn't cost them anything, and surely their parents like having a full house!
Then there is a crisis, and Dee decides things have to change for the whole family... whether they like it or not.
It's always a treat to read one of Maeve Binchy's novels, and this is no exception. Her characters are like friends.
This beloved author died in 2012, but thankfully there are still some of her books
that I have not yet read.
Thanks to Danielle for sharing this book with me.
4.5 stars
Dee loves her children very much, but now that they are all grown up, isn't it time they left home?
Rosie moved out when she got married, but it didn't work out, so now she is back with her parents. Helen is a teacher and doesn't earn enough for a place of her own. Anthony writes songs and is just waiting for the day when someone will pay him for them. Until then, all three are happy at home. It doesn't cost them anything, and surely their parents like having a full house!
Then there is a crisis, and Dee decides things have to change for the whole family... whether they like it or not.
It's always a treat to read one of Maeve Binchy's novels, and this is no exception. Her characters are like friends.
This beloved author died in 2012, but thankfully there are still some of her books
that I have not yet read.
Thanks to Danielle for sharing this book with me.
4.5 stars
August 1, 2012
Absolutely LOVED this short read. Was all over in one night because I could not put it down. After hearing that Maeve Binchy passed away yesterday, I realised I had not read any of her stuff. Great story about changes in family dynamics during economic hardship. RIP Maeve Binchy.
February 13, 2020
This is a short story that was recommended by a Litsy friend.
A mother is tired of her grown children taking advantage of her. Of course she realizes it’s partly her fault, and she sets out to change the course of everyone’s life in the household.
This is a theme that I know many parents can attest to in today’s times. Grown children living at home and not contributing to the household. Everyone is somewhat at fault for not setting clear boundaries and rules as to contribution. Binchy packs a lot into this short 65 page story, and does so with ease. It’s refreshing to see a parent take on these challenges and come through with a better sense of gratitude and humor for herself and her children.
A mother is tired of her grown children taking advantage of her. Of course she realizes it’s partly her fault, and she sets out to change the course of everyone’s life in the household.
This is a theme that I know many parents can attest to in today’s times. Grown children living at home and not contributing to the household. Everyone is somewhat at fault for not setting clear boundaries and rules as to contribution. Binchy packs a lot into this short 65 page story, and does so with ease. It’s refreshing to see a parent take on these challenges and come through with a better sense of gratitude and humor for herself and her children.
March 5, 2021
Didn't really enjoy this, bits were ok but didn't grip me
December 11, 2020
Boring dnfed halfway
June 17, 2020
Very light easy read with a predictable ending. Good filler book
March 13, 2014
Full House by Maeve Binchy is part of the Quick Reads series. It is a short, entertaining story, although unrealistic at times. The story focuses on Dee, the mother of a family comprising her husband and three adult children who are all still living at home. It is not until her husband loses his job that Dee decides their domestic arrangements need to change. This is rather a shock to her children who have learnt over the years that their parents are happy to provide board and lodging free of charge, without them taking any responsibility for domestic chores.
While the context is completely believable, the solution to Dee's dilemma is a bit too convenient. She manages to completely change years of behaviour, as well as her husband's attitude, in a matter of weeks. Solutions conveniently materialize and people adapt surprisingly quickly to the new situation. The format of the book, being only 146 pages in large print, is inclined to encourage a speedy resolution.
Even so, Maeve Binchy is an excellent story teller and overall it was an enjoyable read. I like the Quick Reads series as stories are not slowed down by long winded descriptions or unnecessary detail.
While the context is completely believable, the solution to Dee's dilemma is a bit too convenient. She manages to completely change years of behaviour, as well as her husband's attitude, in a matter of weeks. Solutions conveniently materialize and people adapt surprisingly quickly to the new situation. The format of the book, being only 146 pages in large print, is inclined to encourage a speedy resolution.
Even so, Maeve Binchy is an excellent story teller and overall it was an enjoyable read. I like the Quick Reads series as stories are not slowed down by long winded descriptions or unnecessary detail.
August 9, 2014
I read this book while waiting for my parents to finish cooking Sunday Family Dinner. My mom had only bought it at Costco that morning. It is a very quick and easy read. Not my usual style, to be honest, its the first Maeve Binchy book I've ever read, but decided to give it a go in between all the vampires, warriors, and fairy tales.
I enjoyed it.
I wasn't expecting to, but I did.
A hard-working mother of 3 grown children is tired of them taking advantage of her and sets out to force them to mature. She subtly or not-so-subtly, depending on who's viewpoint you take, kicks them all out of the house to find their way in the world.
The story is woven with text messages between the children, who all think their mother has gone crazy.
Good book for anyone looking for a quick & easy read full of normal every day family life.
I enjoyed it.
I wasn't expecting to, but I did.
A hard-working mother of 3 grown children is tired of them taking advantage of her and sets out to force them to mature. She subtly or not-so-subtly, depending on who's viewpoint you take, kicks them all out of the house to find their way in the world.
The story is woven with text messages between the children, who all think their mother has gone crazy.
Good book for anyone looking for a quick & easy read full of normal every day family life.
July 5, 2015
A nice little cosy read about a normal family. Dee and Liam have three adult children, all are currently living in the family home, none of them pay rent or help with any of the household jobs. Dee works as a cleaner and gets up at 4.30am to start work and Liam is suddenly made redundant. There will have to be changes and Dee sets about laying down some ground rules, she finds it very hard to do so but remains firm and things begin to change. For the three greedy cuckoos in the nest it is an epiphany. Will the family come to an amicable compromise, or will there be a permanent rift?
A delightful short story.
A delightful short story.
November 5, 2016
Een redelijk dun boek over een echtpaar met drie kinderen. Hoewel de kinderen allemaal al volwassen zijn, wonen ze toch nog thuis. Op een gegeven moment besluit de moeder om het roer om te gooien. Ondanks de serieuze ondertoon is het ook grappig en heeft het de warmte die ik zo gewend ben van Maeve Binchy's boeken. Een aantal dingen kwamen me bekend voor. Het kan zijn dat dit verhaal in een andere vorm ook al eens in een verhalenbundel van Maeve Binchy heeft gestaan.
July 6, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up, because I've been a Maeve Binchy fan since high school.
Such a quick, delightful read. Perfect for a day at the beach, out at a camp, or relaxing at home on your favourite lounger.
I know a family that could have been this family. Don't we all...
Such a quick, delightful read. Perfect for a day at the beach, out at a camp, or relaxing at home on your favourite lounger.
I know a family that could have been this family. Don't we all...
May 15, 2022
I enjoyed this "Quick Reads" story. Bravo Dee!
Quick Reads are a series of short books by bestselling authors and celebrities. With no more than 128 pages, they are designed to encourage adults who do not read often, or find reading difficult, to discover the joy of books.
Quick Reads are a collaboration amongst leading publishers, supermarkets, bookshops, libraries, government departments, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), Arts Council England, the BBC, World Book Day, National Book Tokens and more. They are used as a resource for adult literacy teaching and have been used in Skills for Life and ESOL classes in colleges, community centres, libraries, prisons and workplaces across the country. They have also been used in hospitals, stroke recovery units, dyslexia centres, care homes, family learning groups, pre-schools, organisations working with homeless people and traveller communities, and Army and RAF bases. In a survey covering 50,000 new readers in 2010, 98% said that Quick Reads had made a positive impact on their lives.
In 2018, the program was due to come to an end because of a lack of funding. Jojo Moyes turned this situation around by offering the group an additional three years of funding.
Quick Reads were launched in the UK and Ireland by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair on World Book Day 2006. Through mid-2020, over 100 titles have been published, over 4.8 million copies have been sold and over 5 million copies have been loaned through libraries.- taken from Wikipedia
Quick Reads are a series of short books by bestselling authors and celebrities. With no more than 128 pages, they are designed to encourage adults who do not read often, or find reading difficult, to discover the joy of books.
Quick Reads are a collaboration amongst leading publishers, supermarkets, bookshops, libraries, government departments, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), Arts Council England, the BBC, World Book Day, National Book Tokens and more. They are used as a resource for adult literacy teaching and have been used in Skills for Life and ESOL classes in colleges, community centres, libraries, prisons and workplaces across the country. They have also been used in hospitals, stroke recovery units, dyslexia centres, care homes, family learning groups, pre-schools, organisations working with homeless people and traveller communities, and Army and RAF bases. In a survey covering 50,000 new readers in 2010, 98% said that Quick Reads had made a positive impact on their lives.
In 2018, the program was due to come to an end because of a lack of funding. Jojo Moyes turned this situation around by offering the group an additional three years of funding.
Quick Reads were launched in the UK and Ireland by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair on World Book Day 2006. Through mid-2020, over 100 titles have been published, over 4.8 million copies have been sold and over 5 million copies have been loaned through libraries.- taken from Wikipedia
July 11, 2019
I found this short book very good! Mom and Dad both work to support their 4 grown children who give nothing to the parents for their food or lodging. Dad loses his job and things totally fall apart. Mom then figures out a plan that will make them enough money to stay in their house and eat. o more details except to say there is a happy ending eventually and every body benefits!
Fun and a little humorous as the family figures things out!
Fun and a little humorous as the family figures things out!
June 20, 2020
A literal 'Quick Read', so only took a couple of hours, this is really an extended short story telling the tale of an Irish family with 3 grown up children who are surprisingly reluctant to fly the nest. Following the loss of the father's job, the budget is tight and the children are oblivious to their lack of contribution. Mother comes up with a plan to solve all their problems...
This was an interesting and enjoyable read, but I did think the lengths Dee went to to get the family back on an even keel were a little unnecessary. I'm sure sitting down and having a conversation with everyone would have been a lot easier and potentially less upsetting to the seemingly unaware children who, yes, were selfish but also had never been given any guidance in how they should have been behaving. I therefore found this aspect of the narrative annoying - it was all a bit passive aggressive to me! A nice little book to take perhaps whilst waiting for a hospital appointment as it's light, self contained, easy to read but also absorbing.
This was an interesting and enjoyable read, but I did think the lengths Dee went to to get the family back on an even keel were a little unnecessary. I'm sure sitting down and having a conversation with everyone would have been a lot easier and potentially less upsetting to the seemingly unaware children who, yes, were selfish but also had never been given any guidance in how they should have been behaving. I therefore found this aspect of the narrative annoying - it was all a bit passive aggressive to me! A nice little book to take perhaps whilst waiting for a hospital appointment as it's light, self contained, easy to read but also absorbing.
May 23, 2023
Maeve Binchy is a true story teller. Her characters are vividly drawn and there’s always a message behind the words. Full House is part of a Quick Reads series. It was exactly that! And the underlying message comes through loud and clear: taking people and situations for granted will only bring resentment, disappointment, and heartache.
If you love Maeve Binchy, this won’t disappoint!
If you love Maeve Binchy, this won’t disappoint!
June 30, 2020
Quick, easy read by one of my favorite authors. Maeve Binchy tells a story of family, responsibilities and tough love in this short book. Love the words on the book cover - “sometimes the people you love the most are the hardest to live with”. A must to be read!
August 18, 2025
Lo he encontrado en la charity shop y me ha llamado la atención, especialmente porque quería ver como alguien puede escribir una historia en tan pocas páginas (tiene 117 páginas en letra grandecita)…creo que ha cumplido su cometido :)
Read
August 16, 2017waarom kan ik niet gewoon niet beginnen in een boek dat duidelijk ni de moeite is...
July 18, 2019
Maeve Binchy is once again wise and wonderful.
September 26, 2020
A nice quick read
September 1, 2022
Dee and Liam have had it with their adult children taken advantage of them. A little pushing out of the nest is in order!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews