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Title: Wonderful theme - dreadful writing
Review: The struggle with forgiveness which Sr Amata encounters is a deep, moving idea. Yet the writing in this book is very poor. Both the conversations and the descriptive paragraphs reminded me of a children's book. I suppose the crude vernacular the nuns employ is supposed to be natural (Marigolds? Yuck, they stink!), but I found it very trying.The author clearly tries to incorporate varied elements: showing how all nuns struggle with selfishness and weakness; caring for others in the community; the varied paths to the contemplative vocation. It does not work in a book this slender. One is left with a brief reference, but no depth.It is unfortunate that a theme which could have been very powerful is clouded by the folksy language and lack of character development. About all one knows of the main character - let alone the other nuns - is why she fears ringing the bell. The instant healing as she finally does so does not ring true, either.
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