The Cider House Rules tells the story of the child Homer Wells raised in an orphanage in Maine.     It is a coming-of-age story, but the lives of the Director, Dr. Wilbur Larch, the nurses, and the other children are also part of the story.    Some of the orphans are adopted and go on to normal lives, some like Homer and Melony are not, and they leave as young adults to find their place in the wider world.

The orphanage is located in upstate Maine, far from cities, and public scrutiny.    Dr. Wells delivers unwanted babies, but he also discretely performs abortions for unwanted pregnancies in the first trimester.   It was illegal in the state, so it is all done discretely, and at no charge to the patient.    The doctor provides the service to allow women to make their own choices about their lives, a theme still in the news today.  As Homer grows up, he works as a diligent apprentice in obstetrics and he becomes proficient at all the procedures.   When a young woman and her boyfriend come for help, Dr. Larch and Wilbur support their need, and in the days that follow, the couple invite Homer to join them during apple picking season on the Coast.   Homer stays on the Coast for many years and only returns to St. Clouds (the orphanage) on occasion, but he stays in contact with Dr. Larch and the staff.

The book spans half a century and events are interlaced with themes of love, redemption, honor, betrayal, honesty, and regret, all woven into the relationships of a number of well-drawn characters.

The writing is straightforward storytelling, but the thematic material is courageously told and it has raised some concerns in certain jurisdictions.    It has been banned in a number of locations.

The book was made into a movie and has won a number of awards, including Best Screenplay by John Irving and Best Supporting Actor – Michael Cane as Dr. Wells.   The film is a concise version of the book and is beautifully produced and enjoyable.

This book is a moving and poignant story and is highly recommended.