Marion Dante

I grew up in Limerick, South West Ireland and aged ten left the homeland together with my two younger brothers and a sister soon to be born to arrive in Shepherd's Bush London where there was neither a shepherd or a bush in sight! Joking matters apart though, when we approached the house on which our uncle had placed a deposit we were met with the sign 'No Blacks! No dogs! No Irish!'.

Initially we were housed in sheltered accommodation, soon after in our relatives home and eventually in a furnished flat. It was from there that I entered the convent aged fourteen. My autobiography 'Dropping the Habit' tells the story of why I became a Salesian Sister (nun) and left the convent after thirty three years. I talk about my cancer process and the life I lead now in fundraising for the 'Fountain Centre' in St Luke's Cancer Centre in the Royal Surrey Hospital.

This book is now in it's second up to date edition and readers tell me that they appreciate the fact that it is an easy read that allows them to peep into a life that is different. Far from being a misery story it has humour and was written as therapy helping me to cope with the difficulties I encountered after leaving the convent aged forthy seven. I still sing the praises of the worldwide, wonderful Salesian Congregation even though some of the Sisters (nuns)remain puzzled as to why I published my autobiography.

On Saturday last I sold fourteen copies of my book in my local Waterstones in Camberley Surrey within four hours. I am at present engaged in a rewrite of my first novel based on my life in the convent and the aftermath.