Summary

John Irving's The Cider House Rules is a 1985 coming-of-age novel exploring themes of morality and choice. Set in rural Maine during the mid-20th century, it follows the life of Homer Wells, an orphan raised by the enigmatic Dr. Wilbur Larch. The novel's nuanced exploration of controversial topics, including abortion, has inspired both critical acclaim and heated debate. Marked by Irving's gift for storytelling and complex characters, The Cider House Rules is a thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers.

Plot

Set in rural Maine during the mid-20th century, The Cider House Rules tells the story of Homer Wells, an orphan raised at St. Cloud's Orphanage under the care of Dr. Wilbur Larch. As Homer grows up, he becomes Dr. Larch's protégé, assisting in childbirths but refusing to participate in the illegal abortions that Dr. Larch performs. The orphanage becomes Homer's home, with Dr. Larch viewing him as the son he never had.

Homer's life takes an unexpected turn when a young couple, Wally Worthington and Candy Kendall, arrive at St. Cloud's seeking an abortion. Drawn to the world beyond the orphanage, Homer leaves with them to work at Wally's family apple orchard. When Wally goes off to fight in World War II and is reported missing in action, Homer and Candy begin a romantic relationship. Their affair results in the birth of a son, Angel, though they keep his true parentage a secret.

Years pass, and Wally returns from the war, paralyzed but alive. Homer and Candy continue their clandestine relationship for more than a decade, all while Homer works at the orchard and bonds with the migrant workers who harvest the apples. The story takes another fateful turn when Rose, the daughter of the lead migrant worker, becomes pregnant by her own father and seeks Homer's help in obtaining abortion.

This event, coupled with Dr. Larch's death, prompts Homer to return to St. Cloud's and take over as the orphanage's new director. Despite his long-standing moral objections, Homer decides to continue Dr. Larch's practice of providing safe abortions to women in need, recognizing the importance of the service in a world where the procedure remains illegal.

Themes

• Ethical dilemmas surrounding abortion

• Coming of age and self-discovery

• The impact of war on individuals and relationships

• The meaning of family and belonging

• The power of education and mentorship

• Sexual awakening and relationships

• The tension between rules and personal morality

Setting

Set primarily in rural Maine, The Cider House Rules spans several decades of the 20th century, beginning in the pre-World War II era and extending into the post-war period. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a changing America, with the social and cultural shifts of the mid-1900s serving as a subtle undercurrent to the characters' personal journeys.

The novel's central location is St. Cloud's Orphanage, a remote institution nestled in the Maine countryside. This isolated setting plays a crucial role in shaping the protagonist's early life and worldview. As the story progresses, the focus shifts to Ocean View Orchards in Heart's Rock, a coastal Maine town. This orchard becomes a pivotal setting for much of the story's later events, symbolizing both opportunity and confinement for the characters.

Irving's vivid descriptions bring to life the stark contrast between the clinical atmosphere of the orphanage and the natural beauty of the Maine coast. The author's attention to detail in portraying these settings—from the sterile hallways of St. Cloud's to the apple-laden trees of Ocean View Orchards—creates a rich, immersive backdrop that enhances the characters' experiences and the novel's themes of choice, responsibility, and belonging.

Characters

• Homer Wells: The protagonist. Raised in an orphanage in Maine, Homer becomes like a son to Dr. Larch and also his protégé, learning obstetrics and gynecology. He struggles with moral dilemmas surrounding abortion and eventually leaves the orphanage to experience the outside world. Homer's journey of self-discovery and his eventual return to St. Cloud's form the core of the novel.

• Dr. Wilbur Larch: The director of St. Cloud's orphanage and Homer's mentor. Dr. Larch is an obstetrician who also performs illegal abortions. He is deeply committed to his work and develops a strong paternal bond with Homer. Dr. Larch's past traumas and his dedication to helping women shape his complex character.

• Candy Kendall: A young woman who comes to St. Cloud's for an abortion and later becomes Homer's love interest. Candy's relationship with Homer spans many years, complicated by her marriage to Wally and the secret of their son's parentage.

• Wally Worthington: Candy's fiancé, who becomes Homer's best friend. Wally goes off to war and returns paralyzed, adding complexity to the relationships between the main characters.

• Melony: An orphan who grows up with Homer at St. Cloud's. She is Homer's first girlfriend and later becomes an electrician. Melony's search for Homer and her own path in life form a significant subplot.

• Angel: Homer and Candy's son, raised believing he was adopted. His relationship with Rose becomes a catalyst for Homer's return to St. Cloud's.

• Rose Rose: The daughter of the head migrant worker at Ocean View Orchards. Her pregnancy, through incest, and subsequent abortion play a crucial role in Homer's character development.

• Mr. Rose: Rose's father and the head of the migrant workers. His actions and the “cider house rules” he creates represent themes of authority and morality in the novel.

• Lorna: Melony's female partner. She supports Melony in her journey and search for Homer.

Quick facts

• The Cider House Rules took John Irving more than seven years to write.

• It was Irving's sixth novel and helped cement his reputation as a major American author.

• The story is partially inspired by Irving's own experience of never knowing his biological father, who was shot down over Burma in WWII.

• Irving did extensive research on orphanages and obstetrics to accurately portray those aspects of the story.

• The novel, published in 1985, deals with the controversies surrounding abortion.

• The Cider House Rules was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1999, with Irving writing the screenplay. Directed by Lasse Hallström, the movie stars Tobey Maguire as Homer Wells. 

• The title refers to a list of rules posted in the cider house that the illiterate migrant workers are unable to read.

• Irving based the character of Dr. Larch on real-life obstetrician, Dr. Frederick Taussig.

• The book is considered a modern example of the bildungsroman genre, chronicling the protagonist's coming-of-age.

• Stephen King praised The Cider House Rules, calling it “in every way, a masterpiece."

About the Author

John Irving, born in 1942 in Exeter, New Hampshire, is a renowned American-Canadian novelist and screenwriter. He achieved widespread recognition with his fourth novel, The World According to Garp, published in 1978. Irving's works often explore themes of family, sexuality, and loss, set against the backdrop of New England.

Throughout his career, Irving has written numerous bestselling novels, including The Hotel New Hampshire, The Cider House Rules, and A Prayer for Owen Meany. His unique storytelling style, often featuring quirky characters and intricate plots, has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted readership. Irving's novels frequently draw from his personal experiences, including his background in wrestling and his struggles with dyslexia.

In addition to his literary achievements, Irving won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Cider House Rules in 2000. Several of his other works have been adapted into films, showcasing the enduring appeal of his storytelling across different mediums.

Irving's impact on literature extends beyond his novels. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including a National Book Award and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, he received a Lambda Literary Award for his novel In One Person. Irving continues to write and publish, with his most recent novel, The Last Chairlift, released in 2022.