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Afterlife Ghost Stories from Goa
Afterlife: Ghost Stories From Goa is a story that revolves around a family get-together in Goa. The Fonseca family gathers in the Carvalho mansion for the birthday of Savio Fonseca. for his 75th birthday, Savio Fonseca's two daughters Joanna and Carol, who are settled abroad, come down to celebrate his birthday with Savio's son-in-law Sam. On this occasion, Eduardo, who is Savio's cousin drops in with his wife.
On the night before Savio's birthday, when the family is spending time together, the electricity fails, because of which the entire place is in darkness. In this dark setting, the occasion seems right for sharing ghost stories. Soon the entire family starts to swap ghost stories, which revolve around the history of the Fonseca family. These stories range from mysterious sightings to lonely buildings and magic spells.
The stories are split up into two sections and every character has a story to narrate. These stories have their roots in the Fonseca family and give readers a look into the happenings of the family members in the past. The hopes, dreams, personalities and traits of all the members of this family are revealed through the course of this book. Even the family name is a topic of speculation, with Savio's wife Lillian being keener on safeguarding its honor than Savio himself. This interest raises a number of doubts. The secret that Savio and his wife have been guarding from their daughters is soon to be unravelled.
On the night before Savio's birthday, when the family is spending time together, the electricity fails, because of which the entire place is in darkness. In this dark setting, the occasion seems right for sharing ghost stories. Soon the entire family starts to swap ghost stories, which revolve around the history of the Fonseca family. These stories range from mysterious sightings to lonely buildings and magic spells.
The stories are split up into two sections and every character has a story to narrate. These stories have their roots in the Fonseca family and give readers a look into the happenings of the family members in the past. The hopes, dreams, personalities and traits of all the members of this family are revealed through the course of this book. Even the family name is a topic of speculation, with Savio's wife Lillian being keener on safeguarding its honor than Savio himself. This interest raises a number of doubts. The secret that Savio and his wife have been guarding from their daughters is soon to be unravelled.
157 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
40 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Faleiro
4 books32 followersIndia-based novelist, travel writer and avid reader. Author of 'The Delicate Balance of Little Lives' and 'Afterlife: Ghost stories from Goa.'
My latest book 'The Delicate Balance of Little Lives' is now out on Kindle and in Paperback!
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For more information about me, events, interviews and book reviews, please visit my website: http://www.jessicafaleiro.com
My latest book 'The Delicate Balance of Little Lives' is now out on Kindle and in Paperback!
In the US: https://tinyurl.com/y74ao7c3
In the UK: https://tinyurl.com/ycb5uxqf
In India: https://tinyurl.com/ycxg3uqc
In Germany: https://tinyurl.com/y86cfqs4
In France: https://tinyurl.com/ybgufphh
In Italy: https://tinyurl.com/yavwdb6s
In Brazil: https://tinyurl.com/ybd54jzt
In Australia: https://tinyurl.com/y7s5b3b2
For more information about me, events, interviews and book reviews, please visit my website: http://www.jessicafaleiro.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 3, 2013
Brilliant.. loved it.
One must be cognizant of the fact that there are very few Indian writers around who write supernatural. All the writers I know of, have written collection of short stories (yours truly included). Jessica Faleiro, in this regard, has a first to her credit. Afterlife Ghost Stories from Goa is one of the first full length supernatural novel from an Indian writer.
On to the novel, its very tightly written. The setting of the book is brilliant, the Fonseca family reciting ghost stories in the dead of a power cut, rain battered night is something which by itself is sure to bring out the creeps. Jessica's writing style and narrative is simple and easy to follow. The characters and their personalities have been built up well. Each story essentially forms a chapter in itself with a rather surprising but effective end to the book. Among the stories my personal favorites are "The Princess" and "The Goblet", but I am sure each one would have his or her own picks... such is the variety here.
One must be cognizant of the fact that there are very few Indian writers around who write supernatural. All the writers I know of, have written collection of short stories (yours truly included). Jessica Faleiro, in this regard, has a first to her credit. Afterlife Ghost Stories from Goa is one of the first full length supernatural novel from an Indian writer.
On to the novel, its very tightly written. The setting of the book is brilliant, the Fonseca family reciting ghost stories in the dead of a power cut, rain battered night is something which by itself is sure to bring out the creeps. Jessica's writing style and narrative is simple and easy to follow. The characters and their personalities have been built up well. Each story essentially forms a chapter in itself with a rather surprising but effective end to the book. Among the stories my personal favorites are "The Princess" and "The Goblet", but I am sure each one would have his or her own picks... such is the variety here.
March 4, 2022
This was a treat to read. I don't really read horror of the really scary variety but this one had just the right amount of spookiness! I love that I found a book in this genre by an Indian writer that is not filled with melodramatic wails and gory scenes to generate fear.
The Fonseca family have gathered to celebrate the 75th birthday of Savio Fonseca, the dad. Faced with a power cut due to a thunderstorm, they decide to entertain themselves by telling scary stories.
I would classify the tales that they narrate as supernatural rather than outright frightening because they are linked inherently to belief in something that is not universally seen or provable. The stories are of course the personal experiences of the family member who tells them.
The very first story set the stage and the subsequent ones each reveal facets of the family history that the younger generation in particular was not aware of.
A very nicely compiled read with an unusual finish.
The Fonseca family have gathered to celebrate the 75th birthday of Savio Fonseca, the dad. Faced with a power cut due to a thunderstorm, they decide to entertain themselves by telling scary stories.
I would classify the tales that they narrate as supernatural rather than outright frightening because they are linked inherently to belief in something that is not universally seen or provable. The stories are of course the personal experiences of the family member who tells them.
The very first story set the stage and the subsequent ones each reveal facets of the family history that the younger generation in particular was not aware of.
A very nicely compiled read with an unusual finish.
August 23, 2021
More sad than scary on the whole, tbh.
May 10, 2021
Sheer Brilliance!
I simply loved the book. I don't often give 5 stars but this one just had it going for it since the beginning.
The whole family gets together for Savio's 75th birthday in Goa, India, and on the night before the party, with the power gone, they all sit together and tell ghost stories to each other. The horror stories revolve around Fonsesca family and are beautifully curated and narrated by respective members. All the characters seem to be equally involved, be it Savio and his family or his brother, Eduardo's. Every story is as wonderful as the other, and the climax even better.
The horror element is fantastic, something that you don't often witness with Indian writers. This was my first read from Jessica Faleiro and I fell in love with her writing. Simple and elegant writing makes it tough to take a break from the reading.
Next big thing from this novel is Goa, my favorite go to city. So when I saw the backdrop to be the same, I didn't waste anytime in grabbing the book. I got hooked since the start, it was thaat good. Excellent description of Goan culture, food, architecture and surroundings, this was just the perfect way to put everything together. The incidents and happenings with the family stays with you for a long time after finishing the book.
I would urge readers from all ages to not to let go of this book if they ever get there hands on it. I kept wondering and smiling for quite a while so its definitely worth it.
I simply loved the book. I don't often give 5 stars but this one just had it going for it since the beginning.
The whole family gets together for Savio's 75th birthday in Goa, India, and on the night before the party, with the power gone, they all sit together and tell ghost stories to each other. The horror stories revolve around Fonsesca family and are beautifully curated and narrated by respective members. All the characters seem to be equally involved, be it Savio and his family or his brother, Eduardo's. Every story is as wonderful as the other, and the climax even better.
The horror element is fantastic, something that you don't often witness with Indian writers. This was my first read from Jessica Faleiro and I fell in love with her writing. Simple and elegant writing makes it tough to take a break from the reading.
Next big thing from this novel is Goa, my favorite go to city. So when I saw the backdrop to be the same, I didn't waste anytime in grabbing the book. I got hooked since the start, it was thaat good. Excellent description of Goan culture, food, architecture and surroundings, this was just the perfect way to put everything together. The incidents and happenings with the family stays with you for a long time after finishing the book.
I would urge readers from all ages to not to let go of this book if they ever get there hands on it. I kept wondering and smiling for quite a while so its definitely worth it.
October 7, 2018
Ghost stories are best told in the dark they say, and this book surely does justice to that. Afterlife: Ghost stories from Goa, is a brilliantly written book by Jessica Faleiro. It tells of a family gathering, that soon escalates to a ghost stories session due to a power cut, as each member of the Fonseca family narrate their experiences with the supernatural, many age old family secrets are revealed, along with a curse that binds the family forever. The stories in this book are not extremely terrifying but are well thought out and well written, and surely are quiet mystifying and spooky to say the least. But, what I love appreciate most about this book is Jessica Faleiros attention to detail in terms of literature and story-telling, and the immense influence her Goan heritage and culture have on this book. The nostalgia that the Goan influence creates is surely my favorite part of the book. But, the twist in the end is the let down for me, as it didn't seem to co-relate much with the story. But all things said Jessica Faleiro surely deserves some praise for this amazing book. Although Indian authors don't really pay much attention to the Horror genre this is surely a rare gem, and a great read for book lovers.
June 17, 2024
The book is about a gathering of the Fonseca Family. The family get together to celebrate the 75th birthday of the father of the narrator. There is a electricity power cut and slowly the narration of the different ghost stories starts as the family try to pass time and chatter. Each story reveals an aspect of the family relations with each other and their ancestors. Page by page, the story builds into an unexpected ending. The stories are intertwined with each other and some of them are sad, other funny and a few are spooky. Nevertheless the author grips the readers attentions through the book with well written prose and pacing. An interesting read as there aren't many good horror compilations written by Indian authors.
November 1, 2025
4 stars
I really liked this book. The writing, the characters, the storytelling—all of it was mind-blowing. But the ending threw me off. Maybe a different ending would’ve felt more fitting.
I really liked this book. The writing, the characters, the storytelling—all of it was mind-blowing. But the ending threw me off. Maybe a different ending would’ve felt more fitting.
August 20, 2025
Afterlife by Jessica Faleiro revolves around the Fonesca family who are together after a long time for a birthday celebration. The family sits around the night before the celebration and talks of the paranormal activities they or someone close to them has experienced.
The stories are entertaining, sad, and quite realistic in some cases. Overall I am glad I picked this book as it induced a lot of nostalgia with the behavior of relatives and the Goan food mentioned.
The stories are entertaining, sad, and quite realistic in some cases. Overall I am glad I picked this book as it induced a lot of nostalgia with the behavior of relatives and the Goan food mentioned.
August 24, 2020
2020 Goa Book Cover Challenge - Day 5! 💖
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Afterlife: Ghost Stories From Goa is a story that revolves around a family get-together in Goa. The Fonseca family gathers in the Carvalho mansion for the birthday of Savio Fonseca. for his 75th birthday, Savio Fonseca's two daughters Joanna and Carol, who are settled abroad, come down to celebrate his birthday with Savio's son-in-law Sam. On this occasion, Eduardo, who is Savio's cousin drops in with his wife.
On the night before Savio's birthday, when the family is spending time together, the electricity fails, because of which the entire place is in darkness. In this dark setting, the occasion seems right for sharing ghost stories. Soon the entire family starts to swap ghost stories, which revolve around the history of the Fonseca family. These stories range from mysterious sightings to lonely buildings and magic spells.
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Afterlife Ghost Stories From Goa is a fictional novel by Jessica Falerio.
This book is one full fledged story broken down into multiple short stories to talk about the Fonseca family tree.
Not only does it give you the chills, but it also serves the drama on a silver platter with family secrets coming to light in a true soap opera fashion.
Some of the stories are good, not scary but they gave me the chills but there were a couple of stories that really missed the mark and felt more like ghostly theories.
What I enjoyed the most was how seamlessly the family tree tied in together even though we travel to different generations without any order.
The ending left me a bit dissatisfied, the goal of the story was well thought out and it was structured decently, however those last few pages made me lose interest to what could have been a perfect ending.
The author has managed to add a bit Goa into this book, with the language, food, music etc but at the right balance so as to not overwhelm someone who may not understand the culture very well.
I personally loved the Princess as well as Jacinto, these were penned way better than the rest and gave me the most bloodrush so overall I would say it's a decent book if you're looking for something mildly scary and interesting but would not want to have nightmares (hopefully).
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Rated 7/10
Melina L.
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Afterlife: Ghost Stories From Goa is a story that revolves around a family get-together in Goa. The Fonseca family gathers in the Carvalho mansion for the birthday of Savio Fonseca. for his 75th birthday, Savio Fonseca's two daughters Joanna and Carol, who are settled abroad, come down to celebrate his birthday with Savio's son-in-law Sam. On this occasion, Eduardo, who is Savio's cousin drops in with his wife.
On the night before Savio's birthday, when the family is spending time together, the electricity fails, because of which the entire place is in darkness. In this dark setting, the occasion seems right for sharing ghost stories. Soon the entire family starts to swap ghost stories, which revolve around the history of the Fonseca family. These stories range from mysterious sightings to lonely buildings and magic spells.
🦄🦄🦄
Afterlife Ghost Stories From Goa is a fictional novel by Jessica Falerio.
This book is one full fledged story broken down into multiple short stories to talk about the Fonseca family tree.
Not only does it give you the chills, but it also serves the drama on a silver platter with family secrets coming to light in a true soap opera fashion.
Some of the stories are good, not scary but they gave me the chills but there were a couple of stories that really missed the mark and felt more like ghostly theories.
What I enjoyed the most was how seamlessly the family tree tied in together even though we travel to different generations without any order.
The ending left me a bit dissatisfied, the goal of the story was well thought out and it was structured decently, however those last few pages made me lose interest to what could have been a perfect ending.
The author has managed to add a bit Goa into this book, with the language, food, music etc but at the right balance so as to not overwhelm someone who may not understand the culture very well.
I personally loved the Princess as well as Jacinto, these were penned way better than the rest and gave me the most bloodrush so overall I would say it's a decent book if you're looking for something mildly scary and interesting but would not want to have nightmares (hopefully).
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 7/10
Melina L.
October 2, 2018
This book is about a family reunited a night before the narrator's father's 75th birthday celebration. All the members of the family share a bone chilling story of the preternatural during a power cut.
This book has a shocking ending according to me. Overall a great book and I enjoyed every bit of it.
This book has a shocking ending according to me. Overall a great book and I enjoyed every bit of it.
June 15, 2015
The Fonsecas are your friendly neighbourhood Goan family. There’s Savio with his salt and pepper hair, and a propensity for eating chicken cafreal with a fork. His wife, Lillian, worries about feeding guests and finding a boy for her unmarried daughter. Their daughters Carol and Joanna are both settled abroad. The Foncesca family- father Savio, mother Lillian and daughters Carol and Joanna have gathered in Goa to celebrate Savio's 75th birthday.
The night before the big party, the family has a visit from Savio's cousin brother Eduardo and his wife Maria and kids Susheela and Jason come and as the rain pours outside and the power goes out . the Foncescas start telling ghost stories- about things that they've experienced or the extended family members have experienced. There are stories of naughty ghosts, exorcism and haunted palaces.
The narrative has distinct Goan flavour to it and even though these stories can happen in any part of the world, they explore the genre by keeping Catholic religion and fanaticism as background in all of them. Each of the story by a family member forms a new chapter. There are usual horror genre stories here - exorcism of a young boy infected with an old man's spirit or a girl who dares to spend a night in a haunted library and end up doing the 'unnatural' stuff. At the same time, there are stories explored with a twist - An uncle who prefers sending messages from the grave or a relative who all believe has been reincarnated as a bird or my personal favourite - a 'good ghost' who loves children.
I particularly liked the way Goa has been used in setting up of stories - right from furniture to flower vases to the ballroom dances and ivory curtains. Most of the stories are not horror inducing but gradually grow into thrilling stories about the experience of paranormal. And there lies in the victory of the book which is finding the uncommon in the common, the occurrence of horror in our everyday life. Read it if you are a fan of horror genre. You won't be disappointed.
The night before the big party, the family has a visit from Savio's cousin brother Eduardo and his wife Maria and kids Susheela and Jason come and as the rain pours outside and the power goes out . the Foncescas start telling ghost stories- about things that they've experienced or the extended family members have experienced. There are stories of naughty ghosts, exorcism and haunted palaces.
The narrative has distinct Goan flavour to it and even though these stories can happen in any part of the world, they explore the genre by keeping Catholic religion and fanaticism as background in all of them. Each of the story by a family member forms a new chapter. There are usual horror genre stories here - exorcism of a young boy infected with an old man's spirit or a girl who dares to spend a night in a haunted library and end up doing the 'unnatural' stuff. At the same time, there are stories explored with a twist - An uncle who prefers sending messages from the grave or a relative who all believe has been reincarnated as a bird or my personal favourite - a 'good ghost' who loves children.
I particularly liked the way Goa has been used in setting up of stories - right from furniture to flower vases to the ballroom dances and ivory curtains. Most of the stories are not horror inducing but gradually grow into thrilling stories about the experience of paranormal. And there lies in the victory of the book which is finding the uncommon in the common, the occurrence of horror in our everyday life. Read it if you are a fan of horror genre. You won't be disappointed.
March 10, 2014
AVERAGE yet IMPRESSIVE at times !!!!!
When I first started reading this book, I was hoping for it to be really scary. The kind that leaves you with sleepless nights. But to my utter dismay it was nothing of that sort ! -_-
Though some of the stores (like The Princess, Sam's Story & The Shortcut) in this book were spooky and left me wondering as to what I would do if were put in the same situation as the characters. But the rest of them were all CRAP to be very honest !
I had initially made up my mind to give this book a 2 star rating but I ended up giving it 3 stars instead only because of its ending. I was literally gobsmacked when I read the ending as I was not expecting anything of that magnitude. In my mind there is no doubt that this is one of the best endings, to a horror book, that I have ever read.
Thus, my overall verdict for this book is - AVERAGE.
When I first started reading this book, I was hoping for it to be really scary. The kind that leaves you with sleepless nights. But to my utter dismay it was nothing of that sort ! -_-
Though some of the stores (like The Princess, Sam's Story & The Shortcut) in this book were spooky and left me wondering as to what I would do if were put in the same situation as the characters. But the rest of them were all CRAP to be very honest !
I had initially made up my mind to give this book a 2 star rating but I ended up giving it 3 stars instead only because of its ending. I was literally gobsmacked when I read the ending as I was not expecting anything of that magnitude. In my mind there is no doubt that this is one of the best endings, to a horror book, that I have ever read.
Thus, my overall verdict for this book is - AVERAGE.
May 6, 2022
Worth reading haunted stories
Goa is my hometown and for a few initial years, I have lived in a Portuguese house located in a Goan Christian Neighbourhood. So, the book reminded me of that time. The description is spot on. Life was really laid back as is described.
Coming to the stories, they are interesting and I was hooked up to know what would happen next.
The ending was definitely unexpected and scarier than the rest of the book.
Goa is my hometown and for a few initial years, I have lived in a Portuguese house located in a Goan Christian Neighbourhood. So, the book reminded me of that time. The description is spot on. Life was really laid back as is described.
Coming to the stories, they are interesting and I was hooked up to know what would happen next.
The ending was definitely unexpected and scarier than the rest of the book.
April 27, 2014
This book has a collection of Ghost stories that I feel is not really scary but entertaining. There is no dark, murky stuff or anything that will make the hair in your neck stand up. This can be a jolly read while you travel or on a lazy day!If there is something that I particularly loved, it is the style of narration.
June 14, 2013
A page turner leaves you wanting more
good rapid read
good rapid read
July 10, 2014
book is good but these stories are making it little boring... specially that princess over all n average :)
December 29, 2020
The build-up is amazing. The stories are creepy and you wouldn't know what hit you. It's such a good storytelling you wouldn't want the stories to end especially when you reach towards the end.
July 25, 2022
You'll soon realize that everyone has a ghost story...
The tale starts when the members of the Fonseca family— reunited for their father's 75th birthday— each narrate their own occult adventures during a power cut. The stories themselves are quite entertaining, but what makes the book special is how they start connecting. You soon realize that the Fonseca's have secrets, and a family history that spells disaster... The ending of the book, I can personally confirm, will give you goosebumps. The abruptness, and then the understanding.
You and your family will be haunted, always...
One detail that I discovered is Jason's comment (on page 83, the last paragraph) that he would I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry at the irony. Either way, it's a neat bit of foreshadowing.
I also appreciated the subtle themes in The Beginning of how people have done horrible deeds in the name of religion, and even taken pride in it. Worse, they used religion to justify and further their own twisted goals. The Inquisition was a dark time, and I hope that we, as a people who share this Earth, have grown enough to overcome our prejudices and ensure that events like it never happen again.
On a lighter note, it was refreshing to read a book set in the state I call home. One of the stories is about a haunting in Loutolim, and I was like, 'Yes that makes sense. Everyone knows Loutolim is haunted.' From the typical Goan mindset to the local cuisine, the familiarity of it all had me grinning.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone in need of a quick, eerie read or an insight into Goan culture (ghostly and otherwise).
Maturity Level: 8+
Triggers: Death and ghosts (obviously), gore, suicide, torture
It's not a very scary book (in my opinion, at least) but it is quite creepy and has a little violence and graphic images which might affect sensitive readers.
The tale starts when the members of the Fonseca family— reunited for their father's 75th birthday— each narrate their own occult adventures during a power cut. The stories themselves are quite entertaining, but what makes the book special is how they start connecting. You soon realize that the Fonseca's have secrets, and a family history that spells disaster... The ending of the book, I can personally confirm, will give you goosebumps. The abruptness, and then the understanding.
You and your family will be haunted, always...
One detail that I discovered is Jason's comment (on page 83, the last paragraph) that he would I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry at the irony. Either way, it's a neat bit of foreshadowing.
I also appreciated the subtle themes in The Beginning of how people have done horrible deeds in the name of religion, and even taken pride in it. Worse, they used religion to justify and further their own twisted goals. The Inquisition was a dark time, and I hope that we, as a people who share this Earth, have grown enough to overcome our prejudices and ensure that events like it never happen again.
On a lighter note, it was refreshing to read a book set in the state I call home. One of the stories is about a haunting in Loutolim, and I was like, 'Yes that makes sense. Everyone knows Loutolim is haunted.' From the typical Goan mindset to the local cuisine, the familiarity of it all had me grinning.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone in need of a quick, eerie read or an insight into Goan culture (ghostly and otherwise).
Maturity Level: 8+
Triggers: Death and ghosts (obviously), gore, suicide, torture
It's not a very scary book (in my opinion, at least) but it is quite creepy and has a little violence and graphic images which might affect sensitive readers.
June 4, 2024
The narrative unfolds during a family reunion at the atmospheric Carvalho mansion. A power outage plunges the characters into darkness, creating the perfect setting for storytelling. Each member of the Fonseca family contributes a chilling tale, some rooted in local folklore, others tied to their own family history.
Faleiro's masterful touch lies in weaving these seemingly disparate stories together. As the night progresses, the narratives begin to intertwine, revealing hidden truths and long-buried secrets about the Fonsecas. We discover that the ghosts haunting the mansion aren't just figments of imagination, but echoes of past tragedies and unresolved conflicts.
The beauty of "Afterlife" lies in its ability to blend the chilling with the heartwarming. The ghost stories are genuinely creepy, sending shivers down your spine with their evocative descriptions and unsettling atmosphere. Yet, amidst the scares, there's a strong undercurrent of family love and loyalty. The characters, with their flaws and vulnerabilities, feel real and relatable.
The use of a family reunion and shared ghost stories as a framing device is clever and engaging. It allows for a variety of perspectives and creates a sense of suspense as the narratives build upon each other. Faleiro imbues the stories with a strong sense of Goan history and culture. The tales are steeped in local folklore and traditions, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The ghost stories become a catalyst for exploring the complex dynamics within the Fonseca family. As the characters confront the supernatural, they are also forced to confront their own pasts and present relationships.
Faleiro's masterful touch lies in weaving these seemingly disparate stories together. As the night progresses, the narratives begin to intertwine, revealing hidden truths and long-buried secrets about the Fonsecas. We discover that the ghosts haunting the mansion aren't just figments of imagination, but echoes of past tragedies and unresolved conflicts.
The beauty of "Afterlife" lies in its ability to blend the chilling with the heartwarming. The ghost stories are genuinely creepy, sending shivers down your spine with their evocative descriptions and unsettling atmosphere. Yet, amidst the scares, there's a strong undercurrent of family love and loyalty. The characters, with their flaws and vulnerabilities, feel real and relatable.
The use of a family reunion and shared ghost stories as a framing device is clever and engaging. It allows for a variety of perspectives and creates a sense of suspense as the narratives build upon each other. Faleiro imbues the stories with a strong sense of Goan history and culture. The tales are steeped in local folklore and traditions, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The ghost stories become a catalyst for exploring the complex dynamics within the Fonseca family. As the characters confront the supernatural, they are also forced to confront their own pasts and present relationships.
August 29, 2025
This book was just the right amount of spooky for a reader like me who does not like horror and jump scares. The title is perhaps not appropriate since it isn’t about ghosts per se. The book focuses on the supernatural experiences that every member of a particular family has and very nicely links the reason they have them with such a frequency to an event that they trace down to their ancestors. The ending was very unexpected and had me genuinely surprised as I didn’t see that coming. They were not fast paced. The stories lead you in to the eyes of their storytellers so you imagine yourself in their shoes experiencing what they are experiencing. The familiar references to Goan cuisine and culture were heartening to note within the pages of this paperback and felt like home. Another day, another book that makes me happy that I am giving our ever so talented authors from home their well deserved, long overdue attention.
January 14, 2019
A collection of short ghost stories spanning more than five generations of Fonseca family. Filled with ghosts, demons, shadows and princesses. Through every tale a bit more history of this family is revealed. There seems to be no scarcity of spirits in their lives. In fact they almost seem to attract denizens of otherworld. Enchanting, poignant and chilling these tales are sure to make someone shiver late at night. A terrible curse and a heartbreaking tragedy are just waiting round the corner for this beautiful family but…what are those? And what awful skeleton has they been hiding for more than five generations?
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For more reviews check out this link
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check this out to read the full review
https://ensnaringlibri.blogspot.com/2...
For more reviews check out this link
https://ensnaringlibri.blogspot.com/
June 19, 2021
This was my first horror genre book. I thoroughly enjoyed it mostly because it kept me hooked. The writing wasn't very extraordinary but what stood out was the writer's ability to keep the suspense looming in. The general aversion from jumping to conclusions was refreshing. I liked how it wasn't just paranormal horror but psychological trauma as well. It was remarkable how all the stories seemed stand alone but actually were connected here and there. Not to mention how brilliantly the ending was cherry on the cake!
The stories are extremely descriptive. It was also my first introduction to Goan Anglo-Indian society.
The horror part of the story worked well, the suspense and highly descriptive settings sure can make you double check your curtains or door.
Question: if someone else read it, can you tell me why they smelled jasmine in the last chapter? Couldn't get the reference.
The stories are extremely descriptive. It was also my first introduction to Goan Anglo-Indian society.
The horror part of the story worked well, the suspense and highly descriptive settings sure can make you double check your curtains or door.
Question: if someone else read it, can you tell me why they smelled jasmine in the last chapter? Couldn't get the reference.
June 15, 2021
Jo and Carol (oddly my aunt and my mum's names) have left their home of Goa and live abroad now. They return for their dad's 75th birthday but there is quickly a powercut that brings their entire extended family together to tell ghost stories from their experiences and their other relatives'.
I thought the characters were all really interesting and I wanted to know more about each of them but for a novella I learnt a lot about their family and the relationships between them. I wasn't ever scared though (until the ending which did give me the creeps). The ghost stories were weird, but the paranormal aspects weren't that thoroughly investigated so it wasn't what I was expecting.
I thought the characters were all really interesting and I wanted to know more about each of them but for a novella I learnt a lot about their family and the relationships between them. I wasn't ever scared though (until the ending which did give me the creeps). The ghost stories were weird, but the paranormal aspects weren't that thoroughly investigated so it wasn't what I was expecting.
March 27, 2021
Folk Goan storytelling brilliantly worded and designed by Jessica Faleiro. Goa's villages, countryside culture, superstitions and family relations in a book. Traditionally, these typical stories are orally passed on through time and generations so I believe this is probably the first book of its kind. Brought me to a trip down memory lane to the memories and stories of the old family house, said to be haunted, where the inexplicable happens. The minute I saw the book I knew I had to buy it and it jumped the queue straight away.
I will gladly follow Jessica's career.
#supportgoanwriters #goanauthors #goanwriters
I will gladly follow Jessica's career.
#supportgoanwriters #goanauthors #goanwriters
March 24, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Loved the theme, this book consisted of interconnected stories told my extended family members of a certain family.
This book proves that horror can be used in a plot without gore and blood atleast not in every chapter.
The short stories were very interesting and the book was very fast paced.
It also describes a lot about the portugal influence during their reign and talks about colonial periods.
The plot-twist at the end was unpredictable.
This book is highly recommended for someone who wants to read some light horror with more plot.
˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Loved the theme, this book consisted of interconnected stories told my extended family members of a certain family.
This book proves that horror can be used in a plot without gore and blood atleast not in every chapter.
The short stories were very interesting and the book was very fast paced.
It also describes a lot about the portugal influence during their reign and talks about colonial periods.
The plot-twist at the end was unpredictable.
This book is highly recommended for someone who wants to read some light horror with more plot.
October 11, 2021
Don't usually find a lot of good (Indian) horror writers, and while this wasn't particularly spooky, it's refreshing to find a new voice in the genre. Short, snappy stories about the Fonseco family with twists and turns throughout made for a light, fun read. Faleiro creates the perfect setting for the family to sit around and literally narrate supernatural stories, but unfortunately leaves a few loose ends.
March 28, 2022
This Book maybe be referred to an anthology too , might be felt like that too in the beginning with different short ghost stories but to be noted each of the stories has its own essence, each of the story is capable of keeping you edged till it's last word , though the book is little tiring to read in one sitting, its not a book to be left behind will definitely match your standards, only a little patience is what is required, despite that its a creepy read whatsoever.;)
February 25, 2021
A good light-hearted read, with an unusual ending.
I liked the way the book is written, specially how all the short-stories are interconnected with the main characters and finally a wicked revelation in the end.
I liked the way the book is written, specially how all the short-stories are interconnected with the main characters and finally a wicked revelation in the end.
August 12, 2018
A great story. Expectations fulfilled.Better than the blurb itself. Highly recommended.
January 14, 2019
outstanding novel. I recommend for those who loves the horror. It is the aweseome peice of content
thanks to author
thanks to author
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