The Life and Loves of an Ex-Nun

The Life and Loves of an Ex-Nun describes the tremendous impact on the author's early life decisions when she nearly lost her mother to a stroke. She shares her memories of her traditional Italian and Catholic upbringing. We get to see the life she leads as a postulant, and the bouts of homesickness and loneliness, as well as the fun and joy of those highschool years at the Villa.

The author relays the experiences and intense preparation that goes into becoming a novice. Hilarious incidents are recalled djuring the year of training. She also gives us a vivid picture of Glen Morgan's mansion in Glen Cove, Long Island, that was now used by the Baptistine community. The author expresses her emotions during the formal ceremony that takes place and the bestowing of a new name beginning her new life as a nun.

"Sister Vincent Anne," describes her preparation for taking the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Details follow of living out in "a house" teaching and going to college. The chapter includes some humorous descriptions of the Mother Superior and the authors not-so-humorous interactions. She also relates the incident that was the catalyst to begin the author's disillusionment with religious life and the tragedy that affected everyone in the community, especially the author.

We get to read and feel the author's agony in finalizing her decision to leave. It also gives the reader an inside view of the incidents that took place in planning and then the execution of the departure. Again, humor is interjected, which relieves the gravity of the situation. Jo Marie relates a hilarious encounter she and her "comrades" experience on their first social adventure together.

Adjusting to life on the "outside" the author begins her journey with completing her degree and simultaneously teaching in a Bronx private school, and eventually falling in love with Andrew. A crisis of faith is hastened by a priest's sermon during a Sunday Mass. Events that span seven years lead to the final collapse of her marriage, in large part due to Andrew's excessive apathy, indifference, and abuse of alcohol.

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