- Unknown Binding
- Publisher: ScriptShop.com (1998)
- Language English
- ASIN: B0006RJL84
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
The Cider House Rules (Black Swan)
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First Sentence
In the hospital of the orphanage-the boy's division at St. Cloud's, Maine-two nurses were in charge of naming the new babies and checking that their little penises were healing from the obligatory circumcision. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt
In the hospital of the orphanage-the boy's division at St. Cloud's, Maine-two nurses were in charge of naming the new babies and checking that their little penises were healing from the obligatory circumcision. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Cider House Rules is an engrossing saga that slowly draws the reader into the lives of Dr. Wilbur Larch and the young orphan, Homer Wells. Not only does it follow their unusual relationship over many years but woven into the story is a series of sub-plots, involving secondary characters, which build the book into a true drama. Often quirky, but quintessentially human, the characters are given colour by compelling descriptions of their, often odd, attitudes, beliefs and interactions with others - the historical and geographical details are all effortlessly woven into this beautifully crafted story. In the context of a novel, social commentary abounds in the story without ever voyaging into the realms of a historical novel or descriptive narrative - the book stays constantly loyal to the journey through life of Dr. Larch and Homer. The true strength of this book is how it subtly draws you in, at first the behaviour of the characters seems completely alien and they appear to be a product of a bygone time. However, as the book progresses you pick-up poignant insights into their motives. For me, the true genius of this book is the empathy you feel with the characters, especially those that are not immediately appealing. This is a very human book which deals with the subject of abortion, often a taboo subject, particularly in American society, with human feeling and without passing judgement.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Although I consider myself fairly well-read, I had never picked up a John Irving book in the past. I actually bought this book because I'd heard about the movie. (sidebar: DO NOT see the movie after reading this book-it is surfacy, american pap with the depth and passion removed.)
I found this book completely engrossing. It was so touching and passionate while telling a tale largely involving the difficult, delicate subject of abortion. The characters are well-written and, even though most would be considered misfits, the reader gets under their skin and roots for them, even the defiant Melony.
This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a novel which tugs at the heartstrings while being thought-provoking.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Most people come across Irving via "A Prayer for Owen Meany", which has a startling fanatical following. "Cider House" is a better story: ok, its hardly concise, ok, he lulls you almost to boredom before dropping the gore on you, or better yet, making you laugh out loud - ever wondered what goes through a toddler's mind sliding down a hill in a cardboard box and having his forward progress halted by a corpse ? - but sometimes, as in this book, his prose becomes poetic. Let it roll over you, if you've never read Irving, this is the one to try.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
entertains - and instructs - on many levels - strongly recommended!
This novel entertains - and indeed instructs - on many levels.
This is a story about a doctor, Wilbur Larch, who runs an orphanage but who also gives illegal abortions... Read more
This is a story about a doctor, Wilbur Larch, who runs an orphanage but who also gives illegal abortions... Read more
Published 16 months ago by William Jordan
The Cider House Rules by John Irving
I loved this book about Homer Wells an Orphan born at St Clouds orphanage in Maine. Everyone loves his sweet disposition yet all the adoptions set up for Homer Wells are... Read more
Published 23 months ago by P. A. Cunningham
Another work of genius
There's no doubt about it: John Irving is a genius. I don't know of any other author to whom I've given three of his books five stars, but this is another, and I've yet to read... Read more
Published on 17 May 2010 by R. Creer
just love this book
I've read this book several times and it always amazes me , it's funny, sad , moving and makes you think , I'd recoomend this to anyone, even if part of the subject matter,abortion... Read more
Published on 14 May 2010 by H. nathalie
Amis Irving
John Irving needs a good editor, one who is not in awe of the author. Judging by this novel, the first of Irving's that I've read, I won't read another. Read more
Published on 12 May 2010 by L. B. Forbes
A book to take with you through life's journey
Comfortably Irvings best. I would recommend you read A prayer for Owen Meany and The World According to Garp first as good as they are, they will disapoint after this book. Read more
Published on 4 Jan 2010 by Kevin
A good novel
The Cider House Rules is a good example of John Irving at his best - it's a long, rich, complex and always fulfilling novel. Read more
Published on 24 April 2008 by BookWorm
Gripping, enthralling, challenging...
I loved this book; the 'cast' contains a number of memorable characters who are well-drawn and likeable. Read more
Published on 10 May 2007 by S. Gilmore
Tiredness at work
I'm just sat on my dinner break and I'm feeling very tired.
The blame rest's solely on John Irvings shoulders, I just couldnt put this book down last night. Read more
The blame rest's solely on John Irvings shoulders, I just couldnt put this book down last night. Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2007 by K. Adams
Good stuff
One of my favourite books. If you haven't read Irving before, I'd recommend starting with this or "The World According to Garp". Read more
Published on 19 July 2006 by Mr. S. Moulster
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