This book has been in the library for a few months now and I have finally had a chance to borrow and read it.  I’m glad I did because it was a good read.

The convent, which refers to the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne, forms the central theme of this book and tells the stories of four different generations of women – Sadie, Ellen, Celilia and Peach and their connections to the convent.

The convent was originally  established as a home for the Sisters of the Good Shepherd,  accomodating and ‘caring’ for orphaned girls,  girls and young women who had “gone astray” or those that found themselves with nowhere else to go. Most girls were required to work in the commercial laundry on site under harsh conditions, and whilst none of the characters in the story were involved in  this, it is easy to sympathise with their unfortunate fate.

The novel  reflects on the very emotional issues of family, friendship,  adoption and religous faith and I would recommend this book to senior students.

To find out why the author was interested in writing this novel, take a look at the Readings website below:

http://www.readings.com.au/news/the-story-of-my-book-maureen-mccarthy-on-the-convent

I would be interested to hear your opinion of this book. Leave a comment or come and chat with Mrs Healey.