The Cider House Rules

by John Irving

Book Overview

“The Cider House Rules is filled with people to love and to feel for. . . . The characters in John Irving’s novel break all the rules, and yet they remain noble and free-spirited.”—The Houston... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 068803036X
• ISBN13: 9780688030360
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 560 Pages
• Weight: 2.03 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Thoughtful and thought-provoking

Set in the first half of the 20th century, Maine, The Cider House Rules follows the life of the orphan Homer Wells. What Homer's real name would have been we'll never known, as he was born and raised at the St. Cloud orphanage and named by the charge nurse. Adoptions and foster families never took - in fact he was a case study for how terrible the landscape is for children entering foster care. Instead Homer wants to be of use in the orphanage, and finally Dr. Larch gives in and lets him just stay. Ultimately, Dr. Larch realizes he's come to think of Homer Wells as a son, and as many well-meaning but off-the-mark fathers do he has exacting standards and expectations that Homer can never live up to. Homer Wells has his own ideas about what his life will be, and though he loves Dr. Larch, he is not intending to become Dr. Larch. And so we follow Homer through his meandering life as he waits and sees what exactly is to become of himself. Irving tackles excruciatingly sensitive topics such as socialism, terrible foster parents, betrayal, domestic abuse, incest, and more. Above all he takes a very close look at abortion - at both sides, the for and the against - and at the middle ground, where people can be unwilling to participate in abortion but unwilling to tell others whether they should or should not be party to it. He examines the pressure one might exert on others concerning their views, whatever those views might be, and the ins and outs of giving in or resisting. He digs deep into the very being of an orphan and how that could color their thoughts on the topic. He takes us on an uncomfortable journey and sometimes we'd like to get off the train, but much as life itself the story keeps plowing forward regardless of our discomfort. At its heart the Cider House Rules is about the rules that are set, the rules that are broken, the rules that should be left unbroken, the morality of the rules and of our decisions, and of the consequences of each and every decision we make and all the damage (and the good) that is done as we navigate both the written and unwritten rules of life in our own fashion.

Very moving and superbly crafted story

You can't evaluate "The Cider House Rules" on the basis of the plot: to say that the book is about an orphan who grows up in an orphanage run by an abortionist, meets a young couple (there for an abortion), leaves with them, and falls in love with the woman, is to miss about 90 percent of what makes the book special.I've only read one other book by John Irving ("The Hotel New Hampshire"), but it seems to be the case that his novels are so incredibly character-driven. As you read the books, you get the sense that he is so attuned to the people who populate his world that he could write novels centered on any of them.Now, you are probably aware that the book is somewhat about abortion. Indeed, Irving clearly has a point to make about the pro-choice vs. pro-life debate, and it's pretty clear which side he's on. But at the same time, to say that the book is "about" abortion is like saying that "Casablanca" is about World War 2. Clearly, abortion is inextricably intertwined with the plot and the characters, but the novel is not about abortion; rather, it's about characters who have to make life decisions, including about abortion.One final note: for better or worse, I tend not to have much patience for "literature." I've read some Dickens, but would never do so for fun. My idea of great literature is "Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson. But . . . I absolutely loved reading "The Cider House Rules" and I was never bored.

A thoughtful exploration of the idea of "rules"

It amazes me how Irving can broach topics like adoption, abortion, love, faithfulness, etc. with such empathy and balance. This is the only discussion I've ever encountered of abortion, pro or con, that zeroed in on the core issue, then explored both sides of it in such an enlightening manner. And although abortion is a major theme in this novel, it's not what the book is about--it's just a way of discussing the overall theme--rules. It doesn't matter whether you're liberal, conservative, or somewhere in between. Irving will make you think, and give you a chance to question and refine some of your own views, while at the same time read a very engaging story that provokes and entertains from beginning to end.

A Definite Must-Read!

This is one of those books that you don't want to stop reading. I would be falling asleep at 4:30AM and still finding myself reading on into the next chapter. After you do finish it (its 500+ pages flew by in 3 days), you find yourself missing it and wishing you had drawn out the pleasure of reading such an excellent novel. The characters, both "good" and "bad" step right off the page and into your heart. The ending, although a bit predictable, is exactly how you secretly want it to end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about people. Action-packed it may not be, although the story never lags. The real beauty is in the characters and Irving's colorful descriptions of their lives and relationships. I can't wait to see the movie, although I'm sure it will disappoint after this incredible book.