The Nun's Story

The lead character of the book, Sister Luke (pre-convent name Gabrielle Van Der Mal), finds her faith tested in Africa where she finds herself at odds with headstrong Dr. Fortunati, operator of a remote hospital in the Belgian Congo, with whom she gradually builds respect, and again during World War II, when she is ordered not to take sides.

Ultimately, Sister Luke is forced to decide whether to remain in the convent or return to the outside world.

As a nun, she must remove all vestiges of "Gabrielle Van Der Mal" and sublimate herself into the devoted bride of Christ.

Ultimately, the conflict between her devotion to the Church and the nursing profession, juxtaposed with her passionate Belgian patriotism and her love of her father (killed by Nazi fighter planes while treating wounded) bring her to an impasse, which serves as the dénouement of the novel.

In 1959, the book was adapted into a film by screenwriter Robert Anderson and director Fred Zinnemann.