The Cider House Rules (1985) by American writer John Irving is a bildungsroman, a story about Homer Wells who grows up in an orphanage.

The orphanage is run by a Dr Wilbur Larch who trains young Homer to become an obstetrician. After Larch’s death, Homer Wells returns to the orphanage to become the new director.

Melony also grew up in the orphanage and was Homer’s 1st girlfriend. She becomes an electrician.

The Cider House Rules was adapted for film in 1999 and stars Tobey Maguire as Homer Wells and Michael Caine as Wilbur Larch.