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.