Synopsis
When twenty-eight-year-old Sister Monica Wickes leaves her
small town convent life to study theology in the Bronx, she expects
her biggest challenge to be the temptation to glance at her reflection
in the tiny mirror above the sink in her new dormitory room. But
it's 1965, and tough to stay conservative, even for a nun.
By the end of her first two days at Saint Albert's University,
Sister Monica has met the changing times head on, questioning
all aspects of Catholic life, wondering how she can live out her
vocation as the church becomes more worldly. Even the chaplain,
Father Malbert, seems eager to move away from traditional teaching
and customs, abandoning the Roman collar in favor of khakis and
knit sweaters.
Sister Monica's also faced with three situations requiring immediate
attention. Her younger brother, Timothy, has violated his parole.
A male classmate, Aidan Connors, has inspired feelings that are
questionable for a woman with a vow of chastity. And, most upsetting
of all, Mother Ignatius, her new superior at Saint Lucy's Hall
dormitory, dies in her sleep before keeping an appointment with
Sister Monica to discuss trouble in the house.
Sister Monica thinks Mother Ignatius' sudden death is remarkably
convenient for too many people. As she explores the possibility
that Mother Ignatius was murdered, Sister Monica uncovers even
more secrets and motives and endangers her own life.