"An exquisitely framed narrative..."

• ASIN: ‎ B0BN74YLGJ
• Publisher: ‎ Maria Rosa & Ultimate World Publishing (23 Nov. 2022)
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 231 pages
• Genre: Personal Transformation Books

The BookViral Review:

Combining verse, music and historical context, Maria Rosa spins an exquisitely framed narrative of the First Peoples of Australia, in a work of healing and reconciliation. 

In ‘Tesserae Kinned – Connecting all Australians Through the Power of Song’, Rosa brings into sharp relief issues of contemporary relevance-those of repression, intimidation and ‘othering’ of indigenous culture, whilst seeking a balance, acceptance and understanding between the old and the new.

With her background in teaching and theological training, Rosa’s perceptive rhetoric digs deep into the very soul of the indigenous people of Australia, capturing their spiritual connectedness with the earth, sky and sea, and their quiet dignity in refusing to be downtrodden. 

Rosa demonstrates her deep affiliation with some First Nations Australians, whilst refraining from dogmatically presenting their wishes, thoughts and feelings; rather allowing touching anecdotal evidence to speak in volumes of the integrity by which these people live and exist. Nevertheless, she does not shy away from advocacy of their right to live and believe and make decisions in the ways of their forefathers, in immediacy and connectivity with the land they inhabit.

However, the most unique element of this biographical story is the songwriting, which overflows with life and vibrancy. Through her musical composition, which hauntingly blends with the spectacularly metaphorical lyrics of the Rev. Rod Cameron, she compliments the historical detail of her book with powerful imagery and the magic of ancient storytelling. 

The combining of song and story in ‘Tesserae Kinned’ forms a powerfully emotional account in itself, but simmers with a critical and significant message – that of equity, fairness and the right to autonomy, and of the responsibility of all to treat difference with understanding and respect.