A fantastic story teller, weaves magic with her words yet again to present us the lives and works of Catholic nuns in the late nineteenth (I assume) century New York. The story begins with the suicide of a young Irisish immigrant Jim and how Sister St. Saviour takes charge of Jim's young widow and their unborn child. The story follows the life of Annie, the young widow and her chiod Sally as she grows up in the laundry room of the nunnery with Sister Illuminata where her mother works. The characters are gritty and real, each of them figuring out their role and purpose. It is fascinating and beautiful. I believe this book will generate a good discussion.