Moving To Goa

by Katharina Kakar

Many people dream of escaping the stresses and strains of urban life and moving to Goa. Katharina Kakar and her husband, the psychoanalyst and writer Sudhir Kakar, followed their dream and boldly took that plunge-buying a charming old house in a tranquil south Goa village, where they hoped to find a whole new way of living and working. Ten years later, they are still there, living the idyll-and the reality-of life in Goa. So which is the real Goa? Is it all about sun and sand, beaches and bikinis, feni and vindaloo? This book captures the allure of all these, as well as the festivals and rituals that punctuate the rhythm of village life. It portrays fascinating local characters, ranging from ageing hippies, beach boys and elusive workmen to the aristocratic residents of Goa's grand old mansions. But it also reveals lesser-known aspects of the hidden-often shocking-histories of its colonial past; and the debates and fissures that engage and divide Goan society today. In part personal memoir and travelogue, in part an insightful look at Goan history and society, this book portrays Goa with all its paradoxes and problems, its seductive pleasures and, above all, its unique and enduring charm.

Genres: India, Travel, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2013

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you yearn for the Goa of old even though you probably know that all wasn't as idyllic as it seems and even if you've never been to the Goa of old. Definitely makes you look at the place with new eyes.

[Johann Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this gem of a book. Being a goan myself, I really appreciated an outsider's (jk) perspective of Goa and Goenkars. Learnt a bunch about my own lineage given that I am a Fernandes especially the slave trade in the 1600's.

Katarina Kakar's writing is really captivating - she provides a detailed account of different aspects to living in Goa - the culture, the food, different religions, hippe/neo-hippie culture and so on. Definitely recommend this book

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining travel memoir of sorts, about Katarina Kakar and her husband moving to Goa from Germany and then Delhi, interspersed with historical facts about Goa that will be of much interest to travellers to this coastal state. A nice book to read especially if you're visiting Goa and looking for some light reading while travelling around or need something to read while sunning yourself on a Goan beach.

[Raja Sunkara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, though still considered an outsider, captures goa like an insider. Goa is much more than the stereotype it has become.

Goa aside, not many take the courageous step of setting up a permanent residence in a hitherto unknown place. The little difficulties of such a decision are put forward beautifully.

[Bharat Dube · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, carefully researched, and excellently written and entertaining book! I picked it up at a local bookshop while on a repeat visit to Goa - and, through the book, learnt an awful lot about the people, the history, customs and culture of this wonderful place. Before reading this book I was unaware, inter alia, that the Inquisition was especially cruel in Goa and lasted perhaps longer than any other part of the world, that slavery was deeply rooted in the history of Goa, and that prior to the advent of mobile phone, 'The Stoned Pig' (whose main contributors were hippies) was the prime source of news in Goa! This is a 'must-read' and honest appraisal for anyone interested in the history of the Portuguese in India or planning to visit Goa.

[E.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Delightful travelogue with a perfect blend of the personal, anecdotal and the big picture. The author is a German married to an Indian and this gave her a unique insider-outsider perspective. Doubly so, because she moved to Goa.
I am so used to lying by our Indian “liberals” on history that it was surprising to read an honest account of Inquisition, destruction of temples and slave-trade carried out by the Portuguese in Goa. Without being bitter and hateful.
Will be reading the author’s “Indians” co-written with her husband.

[Rudra Narayan Lenka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am touched by the knowledge of the bhaile writer.Kudos to her methodical research on every aspect of Goa that have touched its history to present.Recommended for all age indians and bhailes too.

[Pratima Dumpala · Rating 4 out of 5]

perf starter book

[Denzil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great perspective on Goa and it's history with authors experiences. Good read.

[Orlando Fato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book, for it offers a fascinating depiction of Goa in terms of culture, history, food, society, religion, corruption, problems and politics with a very engaging writing style. It almost feels like having a converstion with a knowledgeable friend who has lived and experienced Goa for over 10 years; a friend who can also be a bit conceited and with a high concept of themselves once in a while but still interesting to talk to about a region as culturally rich and unique as Goa.