Nu prot tas Ērvings rakstīt, ne tur ko pielikt, ne atņemt. Kaut kad ļoti sen biju redzējusi filmu, tāpēc tāds vispārējs priekšstats par sižetu bija - kaut te nu laikam gadījums, kad filma ļoti atšķiras, Melonijas tajā nav vispār (un tagad man grūti to iztēloties, jo perosnīgi man likās, ka viņa ir perfekts jaņ Homēra iņ, un stāsts bez viņas nevar būt pilnīgs). Pārsteidzoši, ka katrs tēls kopumā patiesībā bija nepatīkams (trakais narkomāns Lārčs ar Dieva sindromu, stumdamais un grūstāmais Homērs, aptrakusī maita Melonija, pilnīgi neizlēmīgā Kendija utt.), bet saliekot viņus kopā sanāk stāsts, kurā labrātīgi dzīvot kādu laiku, izlaist to cauri dvēlsi un gūt kādu nekādu atziņu. Jāatzīmē, ka man raisījās vairāk pārdomas ne par abortiem kā tādiem , bet par brīvo gribu kopumā.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ― Edmund Burke"

In what many consider John Irving's masterwork, we're asked to consider abortion and the rights of society in imposing laws on its citizens. Even the title, The Cider House Rules is an allusion to this idea of rules and the authority to impose them. The Cider House Rules were posted by well intentioned people who didn't live in the cider house and who didn't really understand what life there was like. It's also unclear just exactly what gives them the authority to impose and/or enforce them. One of the nurses working with "Saint Larch" sums it up rather well at one point..."It's because even a good man can't always be right, that we need ... rules.”

Even if it were not for these important themes, this is a worthwhile read. The characters are charming, and even the villains are understandable, and for the most part forgivable. The storytelling is first rate, engaging and entertaining. There are even some comedic moments that are overwhelmingly ironic and at the same time laugh out loud funny.

And as to the movie version... Irving did the screen adaptation himself. He made it gentler and more endearing, and though he eliminated several interesting characters to make a simpler, movie friendly plot, I've seen the movie (before and after reading the book) and it's still eminently watchable. It doesn't feel like it's missing anything too critical. I'm sure that the cameo by Irving as the stationmaster is a salute to one of the characters who was cut though I felt sorrier to see no hint of Melony. However, a book can be more detailed and darker than a movie without losing its audience, and given that the film won Irving an Oscar for best screenplay, apparently the movie community agrees that this adaptation was well done.

John Irving has been called the American Dickens and it's probably because of that that so many Dickens titles were featured in this story but they worked quite well and the quotes that were pulled added to the overall effect quite well.

No matter what your stand on abortion, whether you're pro-life or pro-choice, I'm sure that if you read "the Cider House Rules" you'll be pro-Irving.

Глибока книга у всіх сенсах.
Піднімає дуже важливі теми такі як: аборти, сирітство, гомосексуалізм, сексуальне насильство.

Відгук нелегко писати, бо книга складна, та охоплює дуже багато років і персонажів.

Ich konnte das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen und habe es innerhalb 3 Tage weg gesuchtet!
Warum ich Irving erst so spät in meinem Leben für mich entdecke, keine Ahnung.
Gut nur, dass ich ihn überhaupt für mich entdeckt habe!
Ich liebe die Geschichte um Homer Wells und Dr. Larch!
Der nächste Irving steht schon in den Startlöchern und ich kann es gar nicht erwarten wieder in Irvings Kosmos einzutauchen!
Verliebt...so sehr!

I love John Irving but stayed away from this work for years because of the "abortion" issue. I didn't want to be preached to, (in principle I am against abortion) and I foolishly underestimated Irving's ability to create a complete work, one in which "abortion" was a small part. This is one of his finest works and I recommend it without reservation. Irving forces the reader to view the world from many angles and does it with his usual excellence in creating characters with depth and a plot that keeps you engaged page after page.

recensione in haiku de "Le regole della casa del sidro"

Це та книга, яка назавжди залишиться зі мною. Таких сильних емоцій від книги я давно вже не отримувала. Для прикладу, я їхала в метро, читала, обличчя було мокре від сліз і я сміялась в голос. Люди навколо точно подумали що зі мною не все гаразд

I had a tough time with this book. Irving is a good writer as far as his colorful descriptions go, but there was a strange lack of emotion in his character development and plot that I can't quite put my finger on. The descriptions of highly emotionally-charged topics/events (sex, abortion, a forbidden relationship, etc.) were scientific or removed from reality somehow.

“Pensò alle regole. […] Le vere regole della casa del sidro erano quelle di Mister Rose. E quali erano le regole a St. Cloud's? Quali erano le regole di Larch? Quali regole il dottor Larch osservava, quali violava, quali modificava e con quali criteri? Chiaramente Candy osservava certe regole, ma messe da chi? E lo sapeva, Wally, che regole fossero?“

Romanzo di formazione ricco e potente che affronta temi (ancora!) scabrosi come l’aborto (e il diritto della donna all’autodeterminazione); la famiglia e la sua disfunzionalità; la complessità delle relazioni sessuali e dell’amore; la violenza domestica; la ricerca del proprio posto nel mondo e il diritto a sbagliare cercando da soli la strada; il complicato rapporto tra la libertà e la legge e la relatività delle regole umane.

Indimenticabili le citazioni da Dickens e Emily Brontë, indimenticabili i personaggi come Wilbur Larch, le amorevoli infermiere Edna e Angela, la rude orfana Melony, la splendida coppia Wally e Candy, il loro frutteto dove si trova la casa del sidro e naturalmente l’orfanotrofio di St.Clouds dove con dedizione e incondizionato amore si accudisce, si cura, si opera. (E tutti i piccoli orfani…”Principi del Maine, re della Nuova Inghilterra”.)

“…il lavoro del Signore e il lavoro del Diavolo, lo chiamavano, tanto per metter in chiaro, fra loro, quale operazione venisse eseguita di volta in volta. Wilbur Larch accettò quel linguaggio – era utile infatti – ma entrambe le infermiere erano d’accordo con Larch: era tutto lavoro del Signore, quello ch’essi eseguivano.”

Homer Wells, che seguiamo dall’infanzia alla maturità, legge e rilegge David Copperfield come fosse la sua Bibbia e il suo viatico. Il suo percorso di vita e consapevolezza sarà il filo conduttore di una storia intensa e affascinante che contiene molte altre storie.

“Lei vuole che Homer faccia il medico, Wilbur," disse Nurse Edna, "ma la vita è la sua." "Si aspetta forse che faccia anche lo scrittore?" interloquì Nurse Angela. "E che non si sposi mai?" chiese Nurse Edna, perigliosamente. M'aspetto che si renda utile, pensò Wilbur Larch stancamente. […] Ma quello che Wilbur Larch si aspettava dal suo giovane apprendista era soltanto quello che credeva di avergli insegnato.“

(Peccato per la traduzione italiana che avrebbe bisogno di una seria rinfrescata.)

I shouldn't be throwing semicolons around too often; and yet, after reading Irving, what do I find myself doing? semicolon, semicolon, SEMICOLON ; ; ; ; I'm not winking at you; those are semicolons.. now you know what I mean. Irving affects me in many ways -- the semicolons are just one example. (And yes, I know I'm probably not using them correctly -- you don't have to point that out. You really don't.)

More than a week after finishing, The Cider House Rules, it's still on my mind, still sneaking into my brain at different times in the day; still a part of me. Washing my face last night, talking to myself, "Just a light touch there with the wash cloth on the cheeks there, Benny, -- just like Dr. Larch with the Ether, light touch". And trust me, it's not just that: I feel like I know the characters. And I think about them randomly, periodically, throughout the day.

The novel takes place in the first half of the 20th century, in Maine. Most of this is at an orphanage hidden away in the remote town of St. Clouds; a former logging camp, now desolate, lifeless, and empty-feeling -- with its past of whores and ruffians still present in its aura. This is the perfect place for savior Dr. Larch’s orphanage, where he also performs abortions, which were illegal at the time. Larch was the only known abortion doctor in the area that didn't provide them in dangerous ways - Doc Larch performed them correctly and safely, with great respect and care for the female’s dignity and health. This is also where protagonist orphan, Homer Wells, spends his childhood and teen years; where he learns to become Dr. Larch's helper. He spent some interesting -- to say the least -- periods of time living with foster families as well, but finds that the St. Clouds orphanage is his real home.

And then, true to Homer's odd life, he ends up leaving the orphanage under unique circumstances. The story follows Homer into adulthood where he lives at “Ocean View Orchards”. During this time you get the feeling that Homer’s destiny is unfolding, but into what, you don’t know; you just know that it’s not going as planned. Homer also develops a powerful yet complex and taboo love; finds meaningful work; meets life changing people that are his new family, all while being away from his true father figure, Dr. Larch. There are a lot of interweaving storylines that result in humane, moral lessons that show through beautifully -- if not at the time, then at the end of the book, or after reflection.

More than anything, this book got me thinking about abortion. I thought about it hard: more in-depthly and more seriously than I ever had before. It became something other than an abstract concept to me; I felt for the women that needed them, and I felt for the boy who believed that it was murder. It humanized the issue for me, and solidified my formerly tepid belief in a woman's right to choose. It's pretty clear that Irving agrees with this (a woman's right to choose); a major part of the story is in fact, him making the pro choice point; but I could also see someone walking away from this with a pro life stance, or a more adamant belief in that stance. After all, young Homer was an orphan that liked his life and made positive contributions to the world, all of which wouldn't have happened if his mother hadn't chosen life. At the same time though, our story takes place when abortion was illegal, and you see Dr. Larch save lives, and the issue of choice itself is framed almost perfectly. The book made me realize the impact that an abortion, non-abortion, or botched abortion can have on someone's life. You have no choice but to have an opinion on it after reading this book, because you get hit with the weight of its seriousness.

The Cider House Rules has all the traits of a good Irving novel: the humane, odd, and likable characters with unusual life experiences; a storyline with moral undertones; profound scenes -- some zany and humorous -- others wise and touching. Don't get me wrong, this book isn't for everyone. It doesn’t take off right away -- someone with fast paced standards may even consider the whole first half slow. If you're adamantly pro-life, you probably won't find yourself enjoying this book -- abortion is too much of an ongoing issue. And abortion isn't the only weighty theme here: betrayal, war, morality, laws-and-rules, the soul, incest, family, death, violence against women; the list goes on.

Essentially, The Cider House Rules is about the many rules of life: some written, others not; some meant to be broken; some need to be created. It's about the concept of fate and how our decisions affect both our own lives and the lives of others -- whether they are from playing by the rules, or not. An exchange from the book sums this up quite well:

“Every time you throw a snail off the dock,' Ray teased Homer Wells, 'you're making someone start his whole life over.'

'Maybe I'm doing him a favor,' said Homer Wells, the orphan."

This may not be John Irving's best novel, but of the four I've read, it's certainly his most important.

The experience of reading a John Irving novel is not only a masterful adventure, but also a thorough analysis of poignant subject matter. Irving delivers yet another stunning piece that explores the most innocent and darkest part of the human psyche. A young boy grows up in an orphanage, in the care of a local obstetrician. Homer Wells learns the wonders of all things medical and the nuances of human life. As Homer grows, so do his views, as life presents many intriguing experiences on both sides of the law. A jaw-dropping piece that keeps the reader engaged until the final page turn.

When Homer Wells was born at an orphanage in St. Cloud’s, Maine, he had no idea how much him life would change. While Homer went in and out of some potential placements, he never stuck and was returned to the protection of Dr. Wilbur Larch, the orphanage’s physician and director. Soon, Homer and Dr. Larch create a connection and forge a friendship like no other. Homer learns a great deal about Dr. Larch’s profession as an obstetrician and soon becomes a medical assistant to help women give birth who want to hand over their newborns. There is also the option to abort, a procedure that is still highly controversial and completely illegal. Whatever the choice, Dr. Larch and Homer work to help women and educate them as best they can.

As the years pass, Homer enters adulthood, now a well-educated man who tries to continue the greatness that Dr. Larch instilled in him. Homer makes his own friendships and begins educating others about the wonders of female repruduction, which makes for some fiery conversations. A young man brings his fiancée in to see Dr. Larch for an abortion, which creates a new and exciting time for Homer to educate. What follows is not only a medical consultation, but the forging of a major friendship. Homer finds life-long friends who love and challenge him.

After leaving the orphanage and finding his own way, Homer discovers life working in rural Maine. He continues his educating about reproductive options and, at times, medical procedures on women who require his assistance. Homer finds new ways to touch the lives of those around him and makes life choices that could permanently change the future of those who cross his path. When the Second World War arrives in the lives of Americans, major changes occur and Homer must decide how to handle news that is both shocking and disturbing to him. Setting aside his past, Homer Wells must follow the rules that serve him best and provide a future in his best interest. Irving delivers a stunning story that, while long, left me eager for more. I cannot wait to see where things will take me next.

There are few authors who take me on such a significant adventure akin to John Irving. The stories are rich in their crafting and leave me hungry for more. Irving does not hold back, penning massive novels that are full of action and touching moments. The narrative meanders and delivers a wonderful adventure, though it will take a patient reader to be able to follow all the nuances that occur. As things gain momentum, there is a slow reveal that keeps the reader wondering what awaits them. Well-plotted characters provide flavouring and a stunning depth that adds to Irving’s storytelling, many of whom will impact the reader in ways they could not imagine. The plot points develop and leave the reader feeling fully immersed in the story, providing surprises for all to enjoy. There is something about Irving’s writing that keeps me eager to learn more, though the length and depth of the reading experience will surely cause some to shy away. This is surely social commentary on women and reproductive rights during the middle decades of the 20th century, as well as the scandalous treatment of women who become pregnant out of wedlock. There is something for everyone in this piece, given the time and patience. Brilliant in its delivery and impactful in all the topics addressed, the reader ought to be ready for all John Irving has to say.

Kudos, Mr. Irving, for such a gripping story. I am not surprised by all the accolades it has received!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

I was not expecting it to be so timely, but I ended up reading John Irving's epic exploration of abortion and childhood in the wake of the controversy stirred by new pro-abortion proposals in New York and Virginia.

To the extent Irving contributed anything to the ever fraught and intense subject, I suspect that moment has passed. He certainly presents the two main arguments with as much fairness as he can muster given his obvious support for the pro-choice side. But no one who has settled their mind on either side will likely change it by reading this book (to be honest, the controversy over the film has probably ensured that very few people who passionately oppose abortion will ever choose to dive into 500-plus pages of source material).

It's a shame that the book has been caught up in the culture wars because as a piece of literature, The Cider House Rules is excellent. The sprawling story of Homer Wells' coming of age is beautifully written and kept pulling me through some fairly long stretches of description and definition that ranged from unsettling (fairly graphic descriptions of obstetric procedures) to tangential (Wally's experience in Burma, the workings of apple farms). Irving is a good enough writer that such rabbit trails, though not essential to the plot, never seem unnecessary either.

Several issues bothered me enough to keep this from getting all the way to five stars. In no particular order (and obviously not of equal levels of importance):

• Irving insists on adopting the 19th century convention of leaving a blank space for the year despite describing easily datable real-world events that take place during that time. This leads to the absurdity of describing America's entry into World War II in 194_. Hey John, we know what year that is, and so do you. Just put it in there!
• Irving displays an unaccountable fixation with public hair – the shaving of women is mentioned numerous times; Wells at some point saves some of Candy's pubic hair from her abortion, and instead of finding this creepy and off-putting, she decides it's romantic; and the subject comes up a couple of other times without any need.
• Irving really enjoys telling us what orphans are like by making evidence-free assertions like, "Orphans seek stability," which is either anodyne to the point of absurdity (um, don't most humans seek stability?) or stereotypical to the point of offensiveness. He does this many, many times, when what he really means is, "The orphan I've created for this story does/feels/looks for these things." #notallorphans (I assume).
• After maintaining a fairly straightforward chronology through the first three-fourths of the book, the plot jumps forward 15 years for the final two chapters, thus requiring flashbacks to fill in the gaps. In the end, it works – but the disconnect is jarring, and I'm not convinced it was necessary. The leap short circuits a confrontation Irving was prepping readers to expect (and which occurs later as an anticlimax instead), leaving me to wonder what was the point of several dozen pages worth of exposition and conversation.

This last point is significant enough that in the hands of a lesser writer it would have ruined the book for me. It's a testament to Irving's skill and the magisterial beauty of this book that such a disruptive and largely unnecessary decision merely mars rather than destroys the story.

But that's enough negativity. Cider House really is a terrific story, with numerous magical and memorable moments and subplots intertwined through it, all written with a straightforward grace that connects the reader to characters who on their own might not be easy to love, or even like. The journey of Melonie alone is worth the price of admission; she is perhaps one of the best characters written in American literature.

It certainly doesn't settle any debates regarding the legal or moral correctness of abortion, but Cider House Rules does manage to humanize some of the people who feel compelled to seek one, and in that it manages something that is much too lacking in modern discourse on the subject while also telling a beautiful if sprawling story about what it means to find your way back home.