One sentence summary
The Cider House Rules is a coming-of-age story about a young man named Homer Wells who grows up in an orphanage and decides to break the rules to make his own choices in life.
Book genre
Fiction, coming-of-age, historical fiction.
Main topic of the book
The main topic of the book is the journey of a young man named Homer Wells as he navigates through life and discovers his own beliefs and values in a world full of rules and expectations.
Key ideas
- The importance of making your own choices and living by your own values, even if it goes against societal norms and expectations
- The impact of family and upbringing on one’s growth and development
- The complexities of relationships and the consequences of our actions
- The role of abortion and the debate surrounding it in society
Main parts of the book and a short summary
Part One: St. Cloud’s Orphanage
In the first part of the book, we are introduced to Homer Wells, an orphan who has grown up in St. Cloud’s orphanage under the care of Dr. Wilbur Larch. Dr. Larch is also a physician who performs illegal abortions for women in the community. Homer is trained by Dr. Larch to assist him in these procedures, but he also develops a close father-son relationship with him.
Part Two: Ocean View Orchards
When a wealthy couple, the Wards, come to the orphanage to have an abortion, Homer decides to leave with them to work on their apple orchard, Ocean View Orchards. Homer quickly adapts to his new life, but struggles with his feelings for the Wards’ daughter, Candy, and her fiancé, Wally. As he becomes more involved in their lives, Homer begins to question Dr. Larch’s teachings about abortion and morality.
Part Three: The Cider House
Homer eventually returns to St. Cloud’s, realizing that he belongs there and cannot escape his past. He takes over as the head of the orphanage and continues to perform abortions, but with a new perspective. However, when Candy and Wally return to the orchard for harvest season, Homer’s beliefs are put to the test and he must make difficult choices that will impact everyone’s lives.
Key takeaways
- Individuals should make their own choices and live by their own values, even if they go against societal norms.
- Family and upbringing can greatly influence a person’s growth and development.
- The complexities of relationships and the consequences of our actions should be carefully considered.
- The abortion debate is a complex and controversial issue.
Author’s background and qualifications
John Irving is an American novelist and screenwriter. He has written several best-selling books, including The World According to Garp and A Prayer for Owen Meany. Irving has won numerous awards for his books, including an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film adaptation of The Cider House Rules.
Target audience
The Cider House Rules is primarily targeted towards adult readers who enjoy deep and thought-provoking stories about complex relationships and moral dilemmas. It may also appeal to readers interested in historical fiction and coming-of-age stories.
Publisher and first publication date
The Cider House Rules was originally published in 1985 by William Morrow and Company. It has been republished multiple times, most recently in 2012 by Vintage Books.