The Legend of the Desert Pea by Bev OCallaghan and Jessy Unger
Arrernte author Bev O'Callaghan tells the story of the colonial era conflicts with sensitive vivid illustrations by her niece Jesse Unger.
Their truth telling presents an historical perspective that is typical of many, without identifying any massacre in particular of First Nations’ people.
Both art and words combine giving a voice of lament to the loss of life, land and freedom.
Echoing themes from ancient songlines of love, grief and loss The Legend of the Desert Pea invites us to reflect on the past as we build hope for the future.
Where Aboriginal people died the blood red Desert Pea flower grows to remember them.
It is not a children’s book. Parental guidance is recommended. There are weapons, blood and death presented creatively with the sadness of elders represented by tears of grief that cleanse the LAND. Hope is declared as the new life of the blood red Desert Pea floral emblem emerges from where the Aboriginal people died.
