by Cathryn_Conroy: I first read this incredible book by John Irving more than 25 years ago and reread it now in anticipation of soon reading the sequel “Queen Esther.” It was just as captivating and perceptive as I remembered.
Beginning in the 1920s and continuing through the early 1960s, this is an accomplished and intricate epic novel that is really three imaginative and overlapping stories in one.
First, it is the story of the St. Cloud’s orphanage, which is managed by the eccentric Dr. Wilbur Larch, a man who is ahead of his time by generations. Dr. Larch firmly believes in a woman’s right to choose, and although it is illegal, he offers abortions at no fee. In addition, if a woman wants to have the baby but not keep the child, the baby will happily be taken into the orphanage under the watchful eyes of three loving women: Nurse Angela, Nurse Edna, and Mrs. Grogan. Because St. Cloud’s is located in such a remote, rural area of Maine and the board of trustees pays so little attention to the place, Dr. Larch is free to do as he pleases, no matter what the law says. Because of an unfortunate encounter with a prostitute during his first and only sexual experience, Dr. Larch contracted gonorrhea, and he treats the pain with ether. It doesn’t take long before this becomes an unfortunate addiction.
Second, it is the story of Homer Wells, an orphan born in the St. Cloud’s orphanage. Three times he is sent to live with foster families in the hope of adoption, and three times—for reasons hilarious and tragic—he is returned to the orphanage. Finally, it is just assumed that Homer belongs at St. Cloud’s where he is loved, adored, and will be made of use. Because Homer is smart and good with his hands, Dr. Larch trains him as his protégé. While Homer has not even attended high school, much less college or medical school, he becomes a skilled obstetrician. And while he is happy to deliver babies, it’s not too long before Homer announces he cannot be an abortionist.
Third, it is the story of Ocean View Orchards in Heart’s Haven, Maine. Wally Worthington, the handsome but not-so-smart heir to the orchards, and Candy Kendall, his beautiful girlfriend, are in high school when she becomes pregnant. They seek an abortion at St. Cloud’s, and during this journey they meet Homer, who is about their age. At their invitation, he goes with them when they return to Ocean View Orchards, and Homer’s life is forever changed.
True to the title, which makes a lot more sense once you read the book, there is a pervading theme about rules–all the rules of life, including those things we are taught to do for the good of society as well as rules bound by law. When do we follow the rules, and when do we break them? What is the cost we must pay when we blindly follow rules or willingly break them?
Written in a lively narrative style with bold and quirky characters and a page-turning plot, this is a testament to the families we create with the people we find in our lives, the power of love, and the decisions we make that spiral into events we can’t control.
This smart and fierce novel held me spellbound for more than 600 pages. It is great American storytelling at its best.
