The Cider House Rules by John Irving

Set in rural Maine during the first half of the twentieth century, The Cider House Rules follows the life of Homer Wells, an orphan raised at St. Cloud’s orphanage under the care of Dr. Wilbur Larch — a physician devoted to both delivering babies and performing illegal abortions. Trained by Larch to assist in the orphanage’s work, Homer struggles between loyalty to his mentor and his own moral convictions. His journey leads him to an apple orchard, where love, loss, and ethical conflict shape his understanding of mercy and responsibility. Irving’s powerful novel examines compassion, choice, and the human cost of doing what is right.