39 pages • 1 hour read
The Cider House Rules
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Book Brief
621
Novel • Fiction
Maine • 1940s
1985
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Cider House Rules by John Irving follows Homer Wells, an orphan in rural Maine who grows up under the mentorship of Dr. Wilbur Larch, the director of an orphanage and secret abortionist. As Homer matures, he grapples with his beliefs about abortion and his place in the world, eventually leaving the orphanage to join a wealthy apple orchard family, only to confront complex relationships and moral dilemmas. The novel addresses sensitive topics such as orphanhood, abortion, sexual abuse, and addiction.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
191,877 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Cider House Rules by John Irving is widely praised for its rich storytelling and complex characters. Reviewers commend the intricate narrative and thought-provoking themes on moral dilemmas. However, some criticize its length and occasional slow pacing. Overall, it’s seen as a compelling and emotionally resonant work, albeit challenging for some due to its depth.
Who Should Read The Cider House Rules?
A reader who enjoys The Cider House Rules by John Irving will likely appreciate complex characters, intricate plots, and themes of morality and personal choice. Fans of works like Charles Dickens's David Copperfield and Jeffrey Eugenides's Middlesex may find this novel engrossing due to its rich narrative and emotional depth.
191,877 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dr. Wilbur Larch
Dr. Wilbur Larch
The director of the orphanage and a paternal figure to Homer, whose pragmatic approach to medicine is complicated by his own personal challenges and secretive practices.
Melony
Melony
A fellow orphan with a rough demeanor, known for her blunt honesty and resistance to conformity, who shares a complicated connection with Homer.
Mr. Rose
Mr. Rose
A secondary character whose secretive and rule-bound nature catalyzes events in the story, particularly affecting Homer’s perspectives and choices.
Wally Worthington
Wally Worthington
Homer's friend and romantic rival, hailing from an affluent background; his experiences during the war significantly alter his outlook on life.
621
Novel • Fiction
Maine • 1940s
1985
Adult
18+ years
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