The Cider House Rules PDF is a novel written by John Irving, an American author, and was first published in 1985 by William Morrow and Company. The book tells the story of Homer Wells, an orphan who grows up in an orphanage in rural Maine during the early part of the 20th century. It explores themes of morality, family, and identity through Homer’s experiences.
The book received critical acclaim upon its release and has been praised for its complex characters and emotional depth. The New York Times called it “a wonderful, sprawling novel” and praised Irving’s ability to create vivid and realistic characters. The book was later adapted into a movie in 1999, which was also well-received and won two Academy Awards.
One of the central themes of the book is the issue of abortion, which is a controversial topic even today. The book portrays the experiences of both women seeking abortions and the doctors who perform them. The novel also explores the idea of family and how it can be both biological and chosen. Homer struggles with his own identity and his desire to find a family that he can truly belong to. The Cider House Rules is available in multiple formats, including paperback, hardcover, and e-book.
Table of Contents
About the Author
John Irving is an American novelist and screenwriter, born on March 2, 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire. He is the author of many best-selling novels, including “The World According to Garp,” “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” and “The Cider House Rules,” which won the National Book Award in 1980.
Irving is known for his storytelling ability and his use of complex, multi-layered plots. He often explores themes of family, sexuality, and social justice in his writing. Many of his novels have been adapted into successful films, including “The Cider House Rules,” which won two Academy Awards.
Irving studied at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a degree in English. After graduating, he taught at several universities before devoting himself full-time to writing. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the O. Henry Award and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction.
Irving is also an advocate for social and political causes, including women’s rights and same-sex marriage. He is married and has three children.
Summary
The story begins with Homer as a young boy in the orphanage. He is a kind and intelligent child who quickly becomes a favorite of the orphanage’s founder and head doctor, Wilbur Larch. Larch becomes a father figure to Homer and teaches him everything he knows about medicine.
As Homer grows older, he becomes conflicted about his place in the world. He wants to leave the orphanage and experience life outside, but he is also hesitant to leave the only family he has ever known. When a couple comes to the orphanage to adopt him, Homer initially agrees to go with them, but he ultimately decides to stay with Larch.
Homer begins to work as an assistant to Larch, helping him with the medical procedures that he performs on pregnant women. Larch is a firm believer in a woman’s right to choose whether or not to have an abortion, and Homer learns to perform these procedures as well. However, Homer begins to question the morality of performing abortions and decides to leave the orphanage to explore the world.
Is it based on a true story?
No, “The Cider House Rules” is not based on a true story. While John Irving often draws inspiration from his own experiences and the settings in his novels may be influenced by real places, the plot and characters in “The Cider House Rules” are fictional. Irving is known for his imaginative storytelling and creating unique narratives within his works of fiction.
Controversy
“The Cider House Rules” has generated some controversy due to its exploration of sensitive topics such as abortion. The novel delves into the issue of reproductive rights and includes a character who performs illegal abortions. This subject matter has been divisive among readers and critics, with differing opinions on the moral and ethical implications presented in the story.
Some readers appreciate the novel’s frank examination of complex moral dilemmas and its portrayal of characters grappling with difficult choices. They view it as a thought-provoking exploration of reproductive rights, personal autonomy, and societal norms.
However, others have criticized the book for what they perceive as a pro-choice bias, arguing that it promotes or trivializes abortion. They argue that the book’s sympathetic portrayal of the abortionist character and the absence of opposing viewpoints undermines the complexity of the issue.
It’s worth noting that the controversy surrounding “The Cider House Rules” is subjective and depends on individual perspectives and beliefs. The book has also garnered significant acclaim, including winning the National Book Award for Fiction in 1985, and it continues to be widely read and discussed.
Multiple Languages Editions of Book
“The Cider House Rules” by John Irving is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, and more. The availability of specific languages may vary depending on the region and publisher.
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