Would you believe it if we say that there’s a way to explore the colours of Goa under ₹500? Well, that is true but only if you’re a book-worm! Presenting the state in its panoramic best, some writers have penned such soulful stories based on Goa, that their reads are no less than a walk through the coastal territory.
With a classic and quintessential appeal, they will transport you to the sunshine state right from your comfy beds. So here is a list of 5 books revolving around Goa, handpicked by us, for the nerd in you!
One for Sorrow Two for Joy by Tino De Sa
Written by Anthony De Sa under the nom de plume of Tino De Sa, this book is a collection of short stories based in Goa. Driven by his Goan roots, the author has compiled eight stories dealing with love, hatred, betrayal, mystery and other human emotions, carrying the common theme of the nursery rhyme by the namesake book’s title.
Though the book is authentically very Goan in nature, these stories connect with readers across the globe. Written with subtle humour accompanied by a hint of wit, each story has an interesting twist in the tail, giving a eureka moment to the readers in the end.
Price: ₹281
Publisher: Leadtsart Publishing
Buy it here: One for Sorrow Two for Joy
Teresa’s Man and other stories from Goa by Damodar Mauzo
Originally written in Konkani by Sahitya Akademi-awardee Damodar Mauzo, Teresa’s Man and other stories from Goa are translated into English by Xavier Cota. This collection of short stories brings out the local Goan flavours while evoking completely universal emotions as well.
While the stories are relatable for a wide range of readers, the native Goan feels resonate through them all. This work of fiction in a Goan setting provides a parallel version of Goa, undiscovered by the tourists, something more than the sun, sand and the sea.
Price: ₹170
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Buy it here:Teresa’s man and other stories from Goa
The Essential Goa Cookbook by Maria Teresa Menezes
One can not talk about Goa and miss out on its food, so here is this amazing cookbook by Maria Teresa Menezes that will definitely bring out the true Goan feel in your kitchen! This 304-paged cookbook with over 200 authentic Goan recipes provides a detailed historic background, with brief evolution histories of the dishes. Unlike other recipe books, this one has many anecdotes from the author’s time in Goa making it an interesting read.
This book will help you serve Goa’s history on a platter, as it includes traditional dishes from the coastal state inspired by the Portuguese and Spanish. The touch of these colonial experiences in modern Goan food highlights the cultural influence that reverberates to date.
Price: ₹321
Publisher: Penguin India
Buy it here: The Essential Goa Cookbook
Susegad: The Goan Art of Contentment
Susegad is a word in Konkani that has no alternative in English! The locals use this word to convey a sense of fulfillment, contentment and relaxation, that people usually connect with Goa and its culture. Written by best-selling author Clyde D’Souza, this book delves into the lifestyle of Goans, providing a holistic view of the state.
A refreshing narrative accompanied by simple writing, this book shares words of people who’ve actually lived in Goa. Not only that, the book offers various tips and tricks to live a happy and relaxed life. All in all, this is probably the Goa version of Ikigai!
Price: ₹330
Publisher: Penguin eBury Press
Buy it here: Susegad: The Goan Art of Contentment
Afterlife: Ghost Stories from Goa by Jessica Faleiro
No sleepover is complete without a ghost-story swapping session. Adding to your delight, Afterlife: Horror stories from Goa is one such book where ghost stories crop up in the living room on the eve of Savio’s 75th birthday celebration. The debut novel of Jessica Faleiro offers the readers an intimate look into a typical Goan family- the Fonseca’s.
This book may not be shiver-inducing scary but the subtle supernatural element is omnipresent throughout the novel. If you wish to read a psychological horror with a personal touch then this book might just be the one!
Price: ₹227
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Buy it here: Afterlife: Ghost stories from Goa
Knock Knock
Now that you have this list of books based in Goa, grab one of these and start reading, for they say- ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go’. Happy Reading!
