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bittersweet_symphony's review against another edition
5.0
Another update*
Something new stands out every time I read The Cider House Rules, this time reminding me just how brutishly Melony's life is spent. I'm humored by how much I found a resonance with Homer Wells upon my earlier readings, now to have greater sympathies with Dr. Larch's temperament.
This time around I appreciated how much more Candy's blend of amiability and strength shined through.
As always, The Cider House Rules serves as a pragmatic corrective to romantic or idealists perspectives on the world.
Update*
My fourth time through this book and I find my views and temperament more akin to that of Dr. Larch than a younger Homer Wells. I still find the Melony character a rather unnecessary element of the novel—wisely omitted from the film screenplay—and still one of my least favorite characters in the John Irving universe.
Ultimately, it's just a joy to be in the deeply detailed world that Irving creates for his readers. Given that he's always revisiting the same ghosts and demons in each of his novels, I'm not sure it really matters whether one reads his newest novel or continues to revisit the older ones.
Nonetheless, still recommend The Cider House Rules to anyone after a dense, multi-generational epic that spares few details about the characters. Irving is heavy on the exposition and character examination. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Something new stands out every time I read The Cider House Rules, this time reminding me just how brutishly Melony's life is spent. I'm humored by how much I found a resonance with Homer Wells upon my earlier readings, now to have greater sympathies with Dr. Larch's temperament.
This time around I appreciated how much more Candy's blend of amiability and strength shined through.
As always, The Cider House Rules serves as a pragmatic corrective to romantic or idealists perspectives on the world.
Update*
My fourth time through this book and I find my views and temperament more akin to that of Dr. Larch than a younger Homer Wells. I still find the Melony character a rather unnecessary element of the novel—wisely omitted from the film screenplay—and still one of my least favorite characters in the John Irving universe.
Ultimately, it's just a joy to be in the deeply detailed world that Irving creates for his readers. Given that he's always revisiting the same ghosts and demons in each of his novels, I'm not sure it really matters whether one reads his newest novel or continues to revisit the older ones.
Nonetheless, still recommend The Cider House Rules to anyone after a dense, multi-generational epic that spares few details about the characters. Irving is heavy on the exposition and character examination. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
mattyvreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Perhaps one of the finest books I have ever read. I devoured every word. Irving is a spectacular author.
What I so appreciate about this book is that each character is so layered and nuanced and complex. Characters that you love have some unavoidable fault. Characters that you hate aren’t written as cartoon villains; the audience even grows fond of some characters before we learn the depth of their cruelty.
I love the way that Irving tells a story. There is an interconnectedness between the characters he creates, even if those characters don’t know each other. Every detail feels so intentional, even something as small as a crushed mosquito on the wall. Everything is important.
Irving is so cool because writes from a pro-choice, anti-war, sexually liberated (and at least a little queer) perspective. He tackles issues of classism and racism, misogyny and abuse. He is enlightened. It is no wonder that this is such a commonly banned book. Conservatives wouldn’t be able to handle the inarguable points he makes in support of safe health care, including safe abortions for anyone that wants or needs one.
There is some dated language in the book, which makes contextual sense given the time period. There’s a little bit of casual fatphobia, but that might be expected in a novel from 1985. Still, Irving seems to land on the “correct side of history” in discussion of socioeconomic and political arguments.
What I so appreciate about this book is that each character is so layered and nuanced and complex. Characters that you love have some unavoidable fault. Characters that you hate aren’t written as cartoon villains; the audience even grows fond of some characters before we learn the depth of their cruelty.
I love the way that Irving tells a story. There is an interconnectedness between the characters he creates, even if those characters don’t know each other. Every detail feels so intentional, even something as small as a crushed mosquito on the wall. Everything is important.
Irving is so cool because writes from a pro-choice, anti-war, sexually liberated (and at least a little queer) perspective. He tackles issues of classism and racism, misogyny and abuse. He is enlightened. It is no wonder that this is such a commonly banned book. Conservatives wouldn’t be able to handle the inarguable points he makes in support of safe health care, including safe abortions for anyone that wants or needs one.
There is some dated language in the book, which makes contextual sense given the time period. There’s a little bit of casual fatphobia, but that might be expected in a novel from 1985. Still, Irving seems to land on the “correct side of history” in discussion of socioeconomic and political arguments.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Dementia, Incest, Abortion, and Addiction
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, and Child death
alexandre_rl's review against another edition
3.0
J'ai mis six semaines pour terminer les 800 et quelques pages qui composent ce roman, mais je pense que j'aurais pu être plus bref. En fait j'ai lu la première moitié très rapidement; les pages qui traitent de la jeunesse du Dr. Larch et de la vie d'Homer à l'orphelinat sont géniales.
À partir du moment où Homer découvre l'amour et déménage à la cidrerie, j'ai un peu décroché. Il y a encore certains moments de grande qualité mais ils sont entrecoupés de longueurs et les personnages me paraissaient moins intéressants. Le roman trouve un second souffle dans les 150 dernières pages et termine en beauté. En définitive je ne regrette pas de l'avoir lu pour sa superbe première moitié qui en vaut amplement la peine.
À partir du moment où Homer découvre l'amour et déménage à la cidrerie, j'ai un peu décroché. Il y a encore certains moments de grande qualité mais ils sont entrecoupés de longueurs et les personnages me paraissaient moins intéressants. Le roman trouve un second souffle dans les 150 dernières pages et termine en beauté. En définitive je ne regrette pas de l'avoir lu pour sa superbe première moitié qui en vaut amplement la peine.
dmfw's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
guppyur's review against another edition
3.0
Solid, though definitely not as good as A Prayer For Owen Meany. As ever, Irving turns a good phrase, develops great characters, and builds a believable world.
alainagraff's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book is fabulous if you have the patience for it! Life is complicated, difficult, and beautiful and this book demonstrates all of that.
jeffreywbush's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
thssmysrnm's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5