Woking Writes is delighted to welcome local writer and former nun, Marion Dante to the blog as part of our Woking Writers' Week festivities.
About Marion’s published books:
Dropping the Habit
She made her choice at 14 years old. Must it be a life
sentence?
Marion Dante always knew she would be a nun. She was born in
answer to prayer, and she was her mother’s “sin offering”. Because she was
conceived out of wedlock, her mother promised God that she would offer her back
to Him.
Searching for Love
"Followers of the television series 'Call the Midwife' will enjoy this compelling and unusual story." - Barbara Large MBE
Searching for Love reveals convent life during the 1970s as seen through the eyes of
Frankie, an innocent young postulant, and her friend Margaret, who form a close
relationship, which is discouraged by the nuns. Readers are offered glimpses of
harsh practices, contrasted with comic interludes, that trace Frankie's gradual
disillusionment as she struggles with her dilemma: love, or the church?
A Love as Strong
"A heartfelt, moving story of convent life that charms from start to finish."- Gaye Shortland, Poolbeg
'A Love as Strong' is a tender sequel to 'Searching for Love' that reveals
Frankie's new life as a teacher after she left the convent. Readers will enjoy
her naive encounters as she searches for a loving partner. This exceptional book
traces the transition of Frankie as she explores her new life and her
encounters with potential suitors. ReaderS will revel in the final chapters as
she forms a cherished relationship with the man of her dreams.
Former nun, now author, Marion Dante
All about Marion…
Marion Dante always knew she would be a nun. She was born in answer to prayer. At the age of 14, she left home and started her training to become a Salesian Sister. Fired with the desire to save souls she eventually became a nun and a successful teacher and spent many happy and eventful years in the convent.
Leaving the convent 33 years later, Marion wrote her autobiography, Dropping the Habit, a gripping, honest book in which she opens the door to the convent and bares her soul. Searching for Love is the first novel in the Frankie Danivet series and tells the story of innocent young postulant, Frankie, struggling to decide between love and the church. Its sequel, A Love as Strong, follows Frankie as she transitions from life at the content to life and love in the outside world.
Marion hails from Limerick and has lived in England since 1955. She entered the convent aged 14 and left 33 years later. She has addressed various groups including the Women’s Institute, The Townswomen’s Guild, Probus, Rotary, Inner Wheel, Tangent and various retirement groups.
Marion appeared on RTE (Irish) television and radio as part of the publicity at the launch of her autobiography. She has featured in BBC Programmes such as Heart and Soul BBC World Service, Radio Four Saturday Live and in February 2017 she spoke on BBC Radio Surrey taking part in the BBC Listening Project. (Stored in the British Library).
She is a member of The Three Counties Cancer Support Group, The Kindred Spirits Choir, Camberley, and Farnborough U3A in which she takes part in Italian, yoga, walking and ukulele groups. Marion also attends aqua aerobics and is a Member of the National Women’s Register Group, a discussion, dining and reading group.
As an author Marion is a member
of the Society of Authors and is often invited to address members on the
development of her novels. The title of her most recent talk was “Love’s
Journey” and is the title of a follow-up talk on ‘Dropping the Habit.
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