Rosanna

by Annie O'Moon-Browning

Brisbane. Pre Expo ’88. Rosanna walks into Anna’s art therapy. She is delusional. Prostituted. Homeless. The government deems her unfit for parenting. Caught up in Brisbane’s underbelly, she fights to reclaim her children. As Rosanna’s story unravels, Anna’s past begins to reveal itself.

An elusive familiarity haunts their relationship. What ties these two women together?

Rosanna is a deeply Australian story of hidden truths within the glory of our wild landscapes. It illuminates the healing force of sisterhood. Holds the charm of Celtic folklore. Shows the power of our human will to regain dignity out of the destruction of culture.

258 pages, Paperback

Published April 20, 2024

Reviews

[Jo Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosanna is a timely book about the vulnerability of women subjected to trauma and abuse. The story is revealed in layers moving the reader between the protagonist, Rose’s growing up in Northern NSW and her counselling sessions as a young adult with art therapist Anna in Brisbane. Gradually, we learn about the experiences that led to Rose’s homelessness, loss of any sense of self and shame. As we read, we share in her journey towards self-discovery and revelation. Despite scenes of unthinkable violence and the erosion of Rose’s trust, much of the book is gentle and weaves Celtic folklore and a love of the natural environment through the prose. It is Anna’s persistence in her client and Rose’s connection to country and the people who love her that really brings her home.

[Caroline Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rich and raw human story held me captive until the very last page. Annie O'Mooning-Browing uses the Australian landscape to create vivid imagery and her attention to human behavior and emotion is razor sharp. The subject matter, of which there are many, can be confronting and yet the words dance across the page in an almost hypnotic lyrical softness. You know you're in safe hands, a testament to the authors wordsmith skills and life experience. Perfect story telling.

[Eileen O'Hely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosanna jumps between points of view, which I found hard to follow at first, but don't let that put you off this powerful debut from Annie O-Moon-Browning. Told alternately by a troubled young woman and her counsellor, the story demonstrates how lack of privilege (which can be as simple as having parent figures who love and nurture you), can have adverse effects on a smart, kind young person's future.

[Casey Nott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosanna tells the heart wrenching story of a young woman who is desperately trying to belong - to anyone. Abused and betrayed by her own family she finds love and acceptance from friends and strangers throughout her troubled life. She does what she has to do to ensure the survival of herself and her child as the past continues to taunt her.
Unpacking her trauma through her sessions with Anna, many years later, Rosanna navigates the murky waters of shame, self-loathing and ultimately forgiveness.
This book tore my heart to pieces then stitched it back together with poetic prose and vivid imagery.
Have lots of tissues on hand!

[Brett Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book.
Extremely rich in culture and in what the characters are feeling and experiencing.
I need to read it again to get more out of it.
I definitely recommend it.

[Malcolm E · Rating 5 out of 5]

For someone who hasn’t read a book from beginning to end for the last 40 years, my getting to page 145 of this excellent book was somewhat of a miracle: well done Annie!

[Steve Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the intensity of the language in Rosanna captivating and almost overwhelming.. There is an undeniable energy in this story that pushes and compels the reader. It’s a beautiful story.

[Paris Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow along as the pendulum swings to the heartbreaking rhythm of Rosanna’s life. Set in New South Wales, Australia, this fantastic novel spans over the course of years shifting from past and present.
Unveiled with each turn of the page is not just the mystery and intrigue of Rosanna’s life, but also her therapist’s, Anna, and the connection that links them together as they endeavour to obtain Rosanna’s children back through the healing abilities of therapy and self-acceptance.
After years of abuse and trauma, Rose must fight her monsters with all her strength to pull her life back together.
She must face her past, and all the people who made it magical and traumatising, as well as her addictions and mental health issues to prove that she is capable of caring for her two children. But there are greater forces at work that are pushing Rose onto the path she has taken.
Anna encourages the use of art and music for her clients’ healing journeys. Using her own experiences as a former therapist O’Moon-Browning captures the connection between therapist and client exquisitely.
O’Moon-Browning does an exceptional job at bringing to life the intimate and intrinsic moments between her characters. Every chapter, every sentence, every word hums with power and energy and resonates off the pages and into reality.
Rosanna encapsulates the beautiful essence of Australian magic and infuses it with Celtic folklore to create a mesmerising and enriching tale. O’Moon-Browning writes as if the earth itself composed a melodic symphony, and she stood as the sole enraptured listener to write it for the rest of us to hear.
The novel reflects the rawness of life. Themes of family and love are heavily focused on throughout the book. This is a story that follows the miraculous journey of a woman who never gave up and who always looked for love in a world that was all too ready to betray her.
Despite the mature themes, there is still the strong spirit of childhood innocence and an emphasis on seeing the world through more than just our senses. This is an enchanting book that exudes heart and soul and one that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Rosanna is Annie O’Moon-Browning’s debut novel, and she has entered the publishing world with a bang. This is not a book for the light of heart. If you want to cry, laugh, scream, and believe in the magic of our world again then Rosanna has it all.

[Maggie Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a page-turner. The high drama took me on a psychological and emotional roller-coaster ride right from the very beginning. I could not put the book down, and read it in two sittings.
Conflict drives this narrative, beginning with a battered innocence that pushes the female protagonist, and the narrator through their painful journeys of self-discovery. The main characters are strong but flawed, some are out of this world lovely, while others are truly evil. But neither group is born this way. We travel their life journeys that shape them.
This is a raw narrative, yet tenderly written, and based on historical truths regarding Australia’s cultural past. While the characters are fictitious, they are truly believable as the reader rides the waves of their personal challenges. The themes explored include: the effects of ancient Indigenous and modern culture on one’s world view, the social fallout from the Vietnam War, the painful search for family truths, the need to belong, the challenges of addiction. Then,there is the inevitable clash between the changing social mores of 1970s and 1980s, that tests Rosanna’s character and resolve. Lastly, threaded throughout this tale, is the healing powers of love, in all its manifestations.
I was so surprised to learn that this is a debut novel, so excellent it is, in its execution. I truly hope this author will grace us with another.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosanna - Annie O’Moon-Browning
I was enchanted with the language and the written style of Annie O’Moon-Browning. Her words drew me into the novel and I was transported into the lives of the characters as I continued my journey. Personally I related to quite a bit of the storyline having been of this generation and connected to the Vietnam War through my husband at the time. As an art/teacher student in those days, I certainly felt the analysis of a personality and their experiences through using art as a therapy.
Rosanna is a novel that will touch many souls and I feel that there is a little bit of her character within, as we forge through life with a multitude of experiences that make us survivors.
Rosanna’s story unfolds gently through the book and the subtle nuances of her life’s journey will intrigue you to the end.

[Nikki Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosanna is homeless, lost, prostituted and has had her children taken away as she has been deemed an unfit mother.

This story will sit heavy on your heart as you are taken back into Rosanna’s dark past and become privy to her life of trauma, abuse and heart wrenching loss - it has you forgetting that this is a work of fiction, as it is just so vivid and could easy be one’s true story.

Anna is an art therapist, whose aim is to help Rosanna navigate through her trauma and get her to a place of healing and letting go of her guilt. We witness their sessions, they are full of difficult conversations, but also hope, self-discovery, forgiveness and compassion.

I loved how throughout it shared how art, cooking, gardening, nature, music and food can aid in the healing process.

[Gabrielle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was afraid the themes in this story would make it difficult to read, but in reality it is a story of so much HOPE! The healing thoughts explored throughout the narrative make you stop and admire the world around you. There are so many twists and surprising turns that you never know what is coming next, but the split timelines maintains a sense of calm and comfort even during the struggle. Food, culture, and music fill this story with realism and tie it to memory until it seems Rosanna's story is, at least in part, our own.

[Francesca Ruxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Rosanna’ is a gorgeous, dramatic and evocative tale of a young woman’s turbulent yet heroic life set in Northern New South Wales and Brisbane during the 70’s and 80’s. The author authentically captures this past era with keen attention to detail and superb characterisation. I was gripped from the first page and charmed by O’Moon-Browning’s spiritually tinged intricate, descriptive style. There are twists and turns throughout that leave you guessing right until the final page. This is a remarkable book especially for a first novel. I look forward to more from this author.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful descriptive writing throughout the book . Poetic in places . The unfolding of the story holds one’s interest to the end with a surprise twist at the conclusion . I did not want to put this book down and enjoyed the flavour of Australian culture and landscape description throughout . A wonderful read and an insight into the human spirits ability to survive trauma . Looking forward to her next book .

[Johan Scheepers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel goes on a journey of loss and recovery, of triumph of resilience over severe adversity. Exploring the triumph of caring and loving relationships over the effect of abuse, neglect and rejection we follow Rosanna as she has to become an adult while still a child. Losing her way in the turmoil of multiple losses, Annie uses Celtic and Australian background sources to weave the story of her rite of passage.

[Sarah Todman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story, told through evocative prose. Rosanna is a young woman whose journey to self-discovery and healing takes a rocky and winding path. The author's background as a counsellor imbues the narrative with intensity and a deep understanding of how trauma can impact and shape the course of a person's life. But, the novel is ultimately about healing and it left me filled with hope.

[Carolyn Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only like dual perspectives when it's done extremely well, and in this book it is. A captivating read, with evocative descriptions of Australia and Brisbane - which I loved because I live in Brisbane. A clever reveal that I didn't see coming. I'm dying to talk to someone else who's read it. Puts a unique spin on the patient / therapist relationship.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an intriguing story that grabbed my curiosity and kept me reading. An abusive childhood leaves its mark on a young woman who sets out to find her place in the world. Rosie fights hard to keep herself and her child safe. It is a battle that takes her to the edge. How does she find her place, who helps her?
Recommended for compassionate readers.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story filled with descriptive imagery. A unique tale that switches between the point of view of a young troubled woman and her therapist. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, a real page-turner. I find it challenging to find time to read books but I read this in one sitting, keen to find out what would happen next! A real delight!

[Jasmine Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of healing from a traumatic past, couldn’t put this book down it was well written and kept me intrigued telling Rosanna’s story a little at a time to get art therapist.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Rosanna. A journey of tough challenges and accomplishments written beautifully. A real page turner.

[Annie O'Moon-Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

So! It looks like I can review my book?! Instead of hearing from me, maybe you'd like to hear from these wonderful reviewers. Enjoy x

'A lush and beautifully written novel. The places, people, and landscapes are beautifully described. I adored this book ' Vicki Bennet, Author

'Captivating and real, a beautiful story about healing, found family, overcoming trauma and tragedy, and the importance of the good things that can be found in life.' Nita Delgado, Editor

'Rosanna is set in the magical forests of the Northern Rivers of NSW. Underlying this natural beauty is a disturbed underbelly that reflects a shameful era in Australian family culture. A subtle and sophisticated debut novel that weaves the story of one woman's triumphant healing journey back to herself' Dr Nici Buirski

'Rosanna explores the deep, spiritual enchantments of Australian nature and its connection to the complexities of human experience.' Beth Falzon, Reviewer.

'Some novels are woven with magic. Rosanna is one of them.' Paris Thompson, Editor

'This novel has many twists and turns, mystical allusions, and historical referencing, so read it slowly to savor the intriguing mystery and ultimate restoration of Rosanna's life.' Dr Margaret Matthews.

'This is a beautifully written debut novel that I could not put down.' Cathy Scully, Karuna Biographer.

'Vivid descriptions of life and landscapes in 1970's and 1980's northern NSW and Brisbane' Suzie Teo, Director.

'The author expertly unveils character as much in what isn't written, as through what is written. A surprisingly sophisticated debut novel' Cate Sawyer, Author

[Riss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some beautiful descriptions of nature and the Irish sensibility of Rosanna's adopted family. I found myself very happy to go along with the mythological creatures inhabiting their garden.

I wish the cover reflected the kind of story it is - that of barely surviving the trauma of incest. I was looking forward to cozying up with a light family story, judging from the friendly font, hug-a-bub and well groomed curly locks!

The dialogue was very good throughout the counselling sessions. I couldn't quite connect the Rosanna in these scenes, with the Rosanna living in the Brisbane house. What happened to her between living there, and seeing the counsellor? Perhaps more traumatic events occurred, as she was in a good way then.

I was disappointed the lovely Irish mother didn't propose abortion as an option to a fourteen year old girl having been raped by her father; now that I type that I can see why she didn't! Irish Catholic. I felt at the time more needed to be made of her lack of choice.

I was a bit confused at the end, regarding the relationship between the counsellor and Rosanna. What happened? The implication was that the counsellor was her mother...but she already had a mother. And an adopted mum.

The strongest focalising was from the counsellor. A story just from her perspective, out in the world, would be an interesting next step. The drunken dad was believably disgusting. Really liked the Dad character, as a contrast and in and of himself. Believably lovely.

A surprise delight was the lesbian relationship with the woman from the cult. That as fun! And subtly told.

[Gillian Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, compelling and topical, Rosanna is an evocative, multi-layered, moving story about a resilient young woman whose deep hurt, suffering and pathway to eventual healing, resonates with the majestic and spiritual landscapes of Northern new south wales and southern queensland.

[robert stott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book which closely follows the journey of self-discovery and release from the youthful trauma of the protagonist. A cast of well-drawn characters embellishes the colourful setting of Northern New South Wales. An emotional and moving story.