Book Talk: Past Favorites, Part II

During the closing decades of the twentieth century, I read many novels by John Irving: The World According to Garp, The Hotel New Hampshire, A Prayer for Owen Meany, and others. All are memorable. But the one that stands out for me is The Cider House Rules (1985). Like his other books, the characters are so real that you feel you know them, although that’s quite impossible.

Naturally, a cider house does come into play in the construction of the plot, but it does not seem to be a seminal part of the story. The novel is set in the first half of the 20th century at an orphanage in the remote town of St. Cloud, Maine. Dr. Larch, who performs abortions (which were illegal at the time), is in charge. He performed the procedure on women with the same care that he extends to his young charges. In all cases, he preserves both the health and dignity of his patients and the children.

Homer Wells has spent his childhood at the orphanage, and he becomes Dr. Larch’s assistant, learning the proper techniques for abortion. To say that he is as good as Dr. Larch is undoubtedly an exaggeration, but he is competent. Yet, under a set of circumstances concerning his lifestyle and future, Homer decides to leave the orphanage. He hitches a ride that takes him to Ocean View Orchards, and the cider house where he gains employment.