The Cider House Rules (1985) is John Irving's sixth published novel. The story, which is set in the pre-WWII and post-war era, is about a young man, Homer Wells, growing up under the guidance of Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and abortionist. The story relates his early life at Larch's orphanage in Maine and follows Homer as he eventually leaves the nest and comes of age in the world.
