Wilbur Larch from “The Cider House Rules,” but otherwise features a new set of characters. According to Simon & Schuster, “Queen Esther” will span much of the 20th century as it follows ...

Wilbur Larch from “The Cider House Rules,” but otherwise features a new set of characters. According to Simon & Schuster, “Queen Esther” will span much of the 20th century as it follows ...

This cover image released by Simon & Schuster shows "Queen Esther" by John Irving. (Simon & Schuster via AP) ...

NEW YORK (AP) — In John Irving's next book, the author is returning to St. Cloud's, Maine, and to the orphanage made famous in his acclaimed “The Cider House Rules.” Simon & Schuster announced ...