Homer Wells grows up in an orphanage in remote St. Cloud, Maine. Dr. Larch, who also provides medically safe, if illegal, abortions, runs the orphanage. Homer is Dr. Larch's favorite, and over the years, Dr. Larch trains Homer as his successor. Homer thus becomes a skilled, albeit unlicensed, physician. Homer, however, yearns for a life outside the orphanage. When Wally and pregnant Candy come for an abortion, Homer leaves with them to work on Wally's family apple farm. WWII is beginning, and Wally goes off to be a pilot, leaving Homer to run the orchard and look after Candy. What will Homer learn about life and love in the cider house? What of the destiny that Dr. Larch has planned for him?