TAKING THE VEIL: AN ALTERNATIVE TO MARRIAGE, MOTHERHOOD AND SPINSTERHOOD IN QUEBEC, 1840-1920. Danylewycz, Marta. Toronto, McClelland and Stewart, 1987. 203pp, paper, $14.95, ISBN 0-7710-2550-5. (The Canadian Social History Series). CIP Adult Reviewed by Donna J. Adrian Volume 15 Number 6 1987 November This fascinating sociological study explores the lives and work of women who "took the veil" with two of Montreal's non-cloistered convents: the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, founded in 1653 by Marguerite Bourgeoys to further education; and the Sisters of Miséricorde, founded by Rosalie Cadron-Jetté to shelter unmarried mothers and their children. The book examines women's vocational choices from the 1840s to the 1920s: marriage or the alternative of a religious life, which offered greater educational advantages and influence in the community. There are excellent chapters on the changing place, role, and influence of the Catholic Church in Quebec society during this period. The church's control of education and social services encouraged the growth of these religious communities devoted to teaching and social work. The study details life in the two religious communities, the social composition of the orders, the career opportunities and power offered to the women in the communities (by the beginning of the twentieth century, members of these religious orders were teachers, school board members, nurses, and hospital administrators), and how these women encouraged lay women to enter professions. The author indicates that Quebec feminism developed from these religious orders, which showed that convents were a viable career option to marriage and the family. Taking the Veil is a wonderful contribution to the history of women in Quebec. It is eminently readable, scholarly, thought provoking, and well organized. The book began as a doctoral thesis and was under revision at the time of the author's death. Three friends, Paul-Andre Linteau, Alison Prentice, and William Westfall, completed the revisions and prepared the manuscript for publication. The book has archival photographs and statistical tables included in the text, and extensive notes and an index. Recommended. Donna J. Adrian, Laurenval School Board, Rosemere, Que.