The Builders (Open Door)

Wasn't one of her best. It was a bit sappy, but I still liked it for a quick read.

Her characters are so real I feel like I’ve known them forever even in a short story. She is without a doubt my favorite author.

Cute story but not actually a book. This was a cute short story. I was looking for a good book to read. This tiny little story could be read in a couple of hours. There was no way of knowing when I ordered it just how short it was.

There is always a sense of 'completeness' when finishing one of Maeve Bimchy' wonderful stories. She is the master of weaving people & places together, making them so real in a short amount of time, that I have to wait a while before reading another author. Satisfying, enjoyable, and we always learn a little something about ourselves in these wonderful tales. Definite thumbs up.

Nan lived alone since her husband deserted her and the children. Derrick was renovating the house next door. Her children are growing up and making grown up mistakes. Nan and Derrick become friends. Through their friendship they discover a life outside themselves. That friendship grows an independence in confidence of self for all. Great story of afamily growing up.

Nice little diddy from Maeve and in typical Maeve style. It will leave you with a smile on your face and a yearning for more. Can't wait to read Chestnut St. Feel like I've made another new friend in Nan. Just wanted it to be longer. But don't we always feel that way when we finish reading Maeve Binchy?

What I like about her work is that it seems quiet, and yet there is a passion to the writing. I am not Irish, nor have been to Ireland, but I feel as if, having read Binchy's work, I know the place, the culture and the kindness.This is a short work, easy to read of an afternoon. And of course, in Maeve Binchy's inimitable style, everything comes out well.You will smile with satisfaction.

Maeve Binchy's short novel is a fun read that can be finished in a few hours. The characters reminded me of people that I know in all their human frailty but were treated in the story, with compassion, humor and understanding. It would be nice to view the people we deal with, with such gentle acceptance.....

I have read a few Maeve Binchy novels and like her style of writing and so got this book. Part of the Open Doors series, a nice little story about an older lady who befriends a builder working next door and how she stands up to her family and makes them realise they are taking her for granted. Only gave this four stars as like another reviewer said it really is a very short story which I read in about 30 mins. Still, if you are new to Maeve Binchy this might be a way to be introduced to her work. Another plus is that some of the proceeds go to a charity of the authors choice.

As a Maeve Binchy fan I really enjoyed the short story. As it happens this story was already included in another Binchy book called 'Chestnut Street' which I already own and have read. The problem was that the story plot described on the back of the 'the builders' book had nothing whatsoever to do with the story printed in the book. It described a totally different storyline and one that I had not read. It involved two women called Kate and Carmel, none of whom have anything to do with the builders. It might be an idea to check the notes on the back of any other copies before sending them out.I am happy with my book and do not wish to return it.

I am an avid fan of Maeve Binchy so bought this to add to my collection of her writing, especially as she is now deceased. A delightful, book which would encourage anyone struggling to learn to read. A little bit expensive for the size.

This story was so simple a plot yet opened up a whole lot of doors for further novels. Expertly written and sad but also happy. Realistic as it has happened elsewhere.

Maeve Binchy always writes excellent books and my best friend is Irish (living in England) so her books are passed on, after I have read them.