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Teresa's Man and Other Stories from Goa
Peter wheels his bicycle out. Mounting it, he puts one foot on the pedal, the other on the threshold, and waits for Teresa. This was how he used to wait for her at the station two years ago. He used to be in love with her then…
Sahitya Akademi-awardee Damodar Mauzo is one of the most prominent, prolific and feted figures in contemporary Konkani literature. His writing spans an enormous range, straddling both urban and rural geographies, and runs the gamut of human emotion—the paralyzing helplessness of the small farmer in the face of implacable nature; the eternal ebbs and flows of the man-woman relationship; and the many humiliations, small and large, of raising a differently abled child.
In the title story, an ineffectual husband finally reaches his boiling point; ‘Coinsanv’s Cattle’ is a heart-breaking depiction of how a farmer couple must make the impossible choice—send their beloved animals to slaughter or face starvation; and, in the quietly humorous ‘A Writer’s Tale’, a senior author becomes the unwitting subject of a woman’s fiction. Compiled with care, and smoothly, felicitously translated by Xavier Cota, Teresa’s Man and Other Stories from Goa brings to readers tales which are as compellingly local in their flavour as they are universal in the ideas and emotions they evoke. This volume is a must-read.
Sahitya Akademi-awardee Damodar Mauzo is one of the most prominent, prolific and feted figures in contemporary Konkani literature. His writing spans an enormous range, straddling both urban and rural geographies, and runs the gamut of human emotion—the paralyzing helplessness of the small farmer in the face of implacable nature; the eternal ebbs and flows of the man-woman relationship; and the many humiliations, small and large, of raising a differently abled child.
In the title story, an ineffectual husband finally reaches his boiling point; ‘Coinsanv’s Cattle’ is a heart-breaking depiction of how a farmer couple must make the impossible choice—send their beloved animals to slaughter or face starvation; and, in the quietly humorous ‘A Writer’s Tale’, a senior author becomes the unwitting subject of a woman’s fiction. Compiled with care, and smoothly, felicitously translated by Xavier Cota, Teresa’s Man and Other Stories from Goa brings to readers tales which are as compellingly local in their flavour as they are universal in the ideas and emotions they evoke. This volume is a must-read.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
31 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Damodar Mauzo
15 books13 followersDamodar Mauzo (born 1 August 1944) is a Goan short story writer, novelist, critic and script writer in Konkani. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983 for the novel Karmelin and the Vimala V. Pai Vishwa Konkani Sahitya Puraskar award for his novel Tsunami Simon in 2011.[1] His collection of Short stories Teresa's Man and Other Stories from Goa was nominated for the Frank O'Connor International award in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 21, 2021
A collection of 14 short stories, this collection talks about both urban and rural tales, the lives of the general people and the 'important' ones in the society; the joy and the pain of mundane day-to-day life.
The writing is filled with humour at times; at other times with wit and charm and at other times with straightforward heartfelt emotions.
I find the stories to be quite varied, touching different subjects of poverty, women, writing, death, affection, relationships and disability.
*Contents:
1. From The Mouths of Babes 4 🌟
2. In The Land of Humans 4 🌟
3. Misconceptions 4 🌟
4. The Cynic 4 🌟
5. She's Dead! 4 🌟
6. Coinsanv's Cattle (my favourite in the collection!) 5 🌟
7. Bandh 4 🌟
8. The Vighnaharta 4 🌟
9. Teresa's Man 4 🌟
10. For Death Does Not Come 4 🌟
11. Happy Birthday 4 🌟
12. Electoral Empowerment 4 🌟
13. Sand Castles 4 🌟
14. A Writer's Tale 5 🌟
I enjoyed reading the whole collection!
The writing is filled with humour at times; at other times with wit and charm and at other times with straightforward heartfelt emotions.
I find the stories to be quite varied, touching different subjects of poverty, women, writing, death, affection, relationships and disability.
*Contents:
1. From The Mouths of Babes 4 🌟
2. In The Land of Humans 4 🌟
3. Misconceptions 4 🌟
4. The Cynic 4 🌟
5. She's Dead! 4 🌟
6. Coinsanv's Cattle (my favourite in the collection!) 5 🌟
7. Bandh 4 🌟
8. The Vighnaharta 4 🌟
9. Teresa's Man 4 🌟
10. For Death Does Not Come 4 🌟
11. Happy Birthday 4 🌟
12. Electoral Empowerment 4 🌟
13. Sand Castles 4 🌟
14. A Writer's Tale 5 🌟
I enjoyed reading the whole collection!
June 3, 2020
Week 23 Book 17
Teresa's Man And Other Stories by Damodar Mauzo
Rating 2/3
This is an award winning book from Sahitya Akademi Award winning Goan writer Mauzo.
Set over various time periods spanning decades, each story gives a distinct flavour of Goa, and what it means to be Goan. Most of the stories have an old world charm about them.
It's a quick, short read. But not easy. Even though it's decently written (target translated), I was very disappointed that every story was unhappy. There was no respite. I understand not every book, every story can be happy, but this was too much. Especially during these tough times.
As such, a decent book. But I'd advise against reading it, it's super depressing and hence I have it only 2 stars.
Teresa's Man And Other Stories by Damodar Mauzo
Rating 2/3
This is an award winning book from Sahitya Akademi Award winning Goan writer Mauzo.
Set over various time periods spanning decades, each story gives a distinct flavour of Goa, and what it means to be Goan. Most of the stories have an old world charm about them.
It's a quick, short read. But not easy. Even though it's decently written (target translated), I was very disappointed that every story was unhappy. There was no respite. I understand not every book, every story can be happy, but this was too much. Especially during these tough times.
As such, a decent book. But I'd advise against reading it, it's super depressing and hence I have it only 2 stars.
November 13, 2019
This is my second book from the field of Konkani literature. The first one was by Mahabaleshwar Sail (Age of Frenzy). It was a novel. This book by Damodar Mauzo is a collection of short stories. What I want to say is: I love both writers. I love Konkani literature and am hungry for more writers.
This is a collection of 14 stories. Except for one or two, the other stories are simple. But almost alll of them tug the tender strings in the heart. These are everyday happenings in a life (Eg: Sudden Sickness in the family; a farmer's attachment to his cattle; a poor man's anxiety to celebrate the main festival). But they are presented in a sweet manner.
There is another reviewer who had written thus: Simple stories; Simply written. I will like to make a simple change. Simple Stories; Sweetly Written.
This is a collection of 14 stories. Except for one or two, the other stories are simple. But almost alll of them tug the tender strings in the heart. These are everyday happenings in a life (Eg: Sudden Sickness in the family; a farmer's attachment to his cattle; a poor man's anxiety to celebrate the main festival). But they are presented in a sweet manner.
There is another reviewer who had written thus: Simple stories; Simply written. I will like to make a simple change. Simple Stories; Sweetly Written.
July 4, 2020
My rating is 3.5 stars.
It's rare that you come across Konkani translations. In fact, this is only the second I have seen. I had never read anything written by a Goan author, much less by one who is also a Sahitya Akademi award winner. All of these facts made me pick up Teresa's Man and Other Stories from Goa.
The stories, however, are more an evocation of Goa through the names of characters, lifestyles, and memories rather than being set in the place itself. All of them are easy to read with an interesting cast of people. But I can't really say each of the stories impressed me deeply. Some, like "Teresa's Man" and "Coinsanv's Cattle", explored the depth of human emotions and were well portrayed. I also particularly liked “For Death Does Not Come”, written from a water-snake's perspective.
Others like "A Writer's Tale" or “The Cynic” were nothing to write home about.
Overall, a pleasant read.
It's rare that you come across Konkani translations. In fact, this is only the second I have seen. I had never read anything written by a Goan author, much less by one who is also a Sahitya Akademi award winner. All of these facts made me pick up Teresa's Man and Other Stories from Goa.
The stories, however, are more an evocation of Goa through the names of characters, lifestyles, and memories rather than being set in the place itself. All of them are easy to read with an interesting cast of people. But I can't really say each of the stories impressed me deeply. Some, like "Teresa's Man" and "Coinsanv's Cattle", explored the depth of human emotions and were well portrayed. I also particularly liked “For Death Does Not Come”, written from a water-snake's perspective.
Others like "A Writer's Tale" or “The Cynic” were nothing to write home about.
Overall, a pleasant read.
August 1, 2015
Although I was excited to see this collection of stories, translated from the original Konkani into English, I was disappointed after reading the first few. They did not have the poignancy and intensity which I expect of short stories, and they did not affect me at all. It could be that they translate differently in the English than they would in Konkani. In short: nice, but not fantastic. Not really my cup of tea.
September 19, 2020
One resolution that I take up every new year and always fail to fulfill is reading more books from regional Indian languages. As someone who picks up books quite randomly, it is difficult to remind myself of these resolutions. But the same impulsiveness brought me to this book, my first ever book from Konkani literature.
These stories were written over a period of four decades. So the stories have that rare, old world charm and it takes you to the Goa that you will never get to see now. As many have pointed out in their reviews, these stories are mostly grim. I started reading this in August and couldn't read more than one story a day. But I loved Mauzo's style and definitely looking forward to reading more of his works. I also feel the translator has done an incredible job because I never felt I was missing out on anything when I read these stories.
If you don't mind grim, yet realistic stories, please do pick this up. It will give you a chance to get acquainted with Konkani Literature like me.
These stories were written over a period of four decades. So the stories have that rare, old world charm and it takes you to the Goa that you will never get to see now. As many have pointed out in their reviews, these stories are mostly grim. I started reading this in August and couldn't read more than one story a day. But I loved Mauzo's style and definitely looking forward to reading more of his works. I also feel the translator has done an incredible job because I never felt I was missing out on anything when I read these stories.
If you don't mind grim, yet realistic stories, please do pick this up. It will give you a chance to get acquainted with Konkani Literature like me.
March 21, 2022
This one is not to enjoy, it's realistic nature will hit hard! Still, a good collection of Konkani stories.
August 11, 2020
Goa,for a common man means parties,alcohol,beaches,drugs and all that sort of stuff.But this is only one side of the coin as far as India's smallest state is concerned.In this book,one gets to know about the other side of the 'Goan coin'.Its a place,which had a different colonial past from rest of India, where Catholics and Hindus stay side by side,where a drunkard hits his wife,where political goons exist and where simple Goans have simple dreams.Its just that we Indians love Goa but forget about Goans. Through this book,one gets a good glimpse of typical Goan life.Not only the author(he is a Sahitya Academy Award winner) makes each emotion of the human psyche come alive,he also provides food for thought.Furthermore,the translator has also done his job very well.Its a must read for people who want to know about the state called Goa and the people living there.
July 24, 2019
Teresa's Man and other stories , originally written in Konkani by Damodar Mauzo and translated by Xavier Cota is a collection of short stories written across a span of time.
With a variety of stories, most of these are 10-15 minute reads. The stories are either set in Goa or talks about Goan people. While the stories don't explore Goan culture, it is mostly focused on people. In 'From the Mouths of Babes' it talks about the predicament of Mithila and Rajesh who live in the Gulf and about their life there.
A language is meant to bring people together, not tear them apart! Language is a vehicle to foster understanding. It is meant to unite, not to divide .
There is a story about 'Bandh' set in the 70s when there was a language movement in Goa. It very well explores behaviour of people during bandh vs the actual respect they have for the general people. In ' The Vighnaharta' a family is worried about Chauthi preparations amidst their financial crisis.'Happy Birthday' has a set of parents concerned that they won't fit in due to their child's slow learning.
Most interesting story was ' A Writer's Tale' where an aging writer Manohar and a young write Jayatha formulate a friendship in the background of Jayatha's ordeals with her family, depression and search for a friend.
Since the stories are written across the decades, they have a nice nostalgic feel. They give an insight to the yesteryear of Goa. Some good some not so good mentality of people. I enjoyed the collection but felt the stories ended abruptly. I wanted to know more in most of the stories and since they were open ended I was left wanting for more. I do not know if it's because the translation was amiss or the stories were written so originally.
Rating : 3.75/5
With a variety of stories, most of these are 10-15 minute reads. The stories are either set in Goa or talks about Goan people. While the stories don't explore Goan culture, it is mostly focused on people. In 'From the Mouths of Babes' it talks about the predicament of Mithila and Rajesh who live in the Gulf and about their life there.
A language is meant to bring people together, not tear them apart! Language is a vehicle to foster understanding. It is meant to unite, not to divide .
There is a story about 'Bandh' set in the 70s when there was a language movement in Goa. It very well explores behaviour of people during bandh vs the actual respect they have for the general people. In ' The Vighnaharta' a family is worried about Chauthi preparations amidst their financial crisis.'Happy Birthday' has a set of parents concerned that they won't fit in due to their child's slow learning.
Most interesting story was ' A Writer's Tale' where an aging writer Manohar and a young write Jayatha formulate a friendship in the background of Jayatha's ordeals with her family, depression and search for a friend.
Since the stories are written across the decades, they have a nice nostalgic feel. They give an insight to the yesteryear of Goa. Some good some not so good mentality of people. I enjoyed the collection but felt the stories ended abruptly. I wanted to know more in most of the stories and since they were open ended I was left wanting for more. I do not know if it's because the translation was amiss or the stories were written so originally.
Rating : 3.75/5
March 14, 2016
A lovely little collection of short stories from the Sahitya Academy award winning Damodar Mauzo. Very different from the contemporary short stories that I'm familiar with, and with alarmingly different themes. This was to be expected; most of the stories, as the translator Xavier Cota points out, were written in a different time and age. They are enjoyable, nevertheless.
They are not really 'stories from Goa', though. Goa's presence as place and homeland is tangential, subtle, and only in certain stories is the effect of place pronounced. This isn't a gripe, just an observation.
In all, a rather good read. A shout-out to the cover design, though. I sought out Archana Sreenivasan after, and followed her on Instagram. Will be watching her work in the future.
They are not really 'stories from Goa', though. Goa's presence as place and homeland is tangential, subtle, and only in certain stories is the effect of place pronounced. This isn't a gripe, just an observation.
In all, a rather good read. A shout-out to the cover design, though. I sought out Archana Sreenivasan after, and followed her on Instagram. Will be watching her work in the future.
August 29, 2016
Small box of treats
June 18, 2024
3.5 Stars rounded down to 3 (mostly because of the uneven translation). This is a collection of 14 short stories written over a couple of decades by the writer Damodar Mauzo. Most of the stories are a slice of life from Goa. You need to have a little bit of context of life in Goa when reading the stories. The translator could have translated some of the words better (such as balcao or bhann) and given some cultural context around the practice of prasad (A astrological and religious ceremony where petals are stuck to a wooden pillar and the number and the order of the fallen petal portends some future event such as illness or the birth of a child). I was familiar with this so I did enjoy most of the stories.
The best stories among the collection (in my opinion) were Sand Castles, A Writer's Tale and Bandh. Some of the characters in the stories were misogynistic and patriarchal but I think those are reflective of the Goan society during those times. Many of the stories either have a surprising ending and are tad bit sad. Overall a good collection of stories worth reading.
The best stories among the collection (in my opinion) were Sand Castles, A Writer's Tale and Bandh. Some of the characters in the stories were misogynistic and patriarchal but I think those are reflective of the Goan society during those times. Many of the stories either have a surprising ending and are tad bit sad. Overall a good collection of stories worth reading.
September 11, 2020
Between a 3 and 4.
Translations are difficult. Short story translations even more since you have very little real estate to convey the feel of the original story. Teresa’s Man and Other stories from Goa is a bunch of relatable stories about the people of Goa (which could have been set anywhere and still worked fine). One of the stories - the water snake one - reminds one about how effective stories can get with animals as protagonists (a la Animal Farm, Poonachi and Maus).
There is a nice element of surprise ending to most stories and in most cases you don’t see it coming!
Translations are difficult. Short story translations even more since you have very little real estate to convey the feel of the original story. Teresa’s Man and Other stories from Goa is a bunch of relatable stories about the people of Goa (which could have been set anywhere and still worked fine). One of the stories - the water snake one - reminds one about how effective stories can get with animals as protagonists (a la Animal Farm, Poonachi and Maus).
There is a nice element of surprise ending to most stories and in most cases you don’t see it coming!
May 17, 2021
A collection of short stories, set in rural and urban India, with some element of Goa and its people in each of them.
Simple language, simple stories about normal people. Some of the stories have a shock(-ish) ending, which I really appreciated. Overall, great collection to dive into, particularly if you’re feeling like you’re heading to a slump!
Simple language, simple stories about normal people. Some of the stories have a shock(-ish) ending, which I really appreciated. Overall, great collection to dive into, particularly if you’re feeling like you’re heading to a slump!
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November 17, 2021This just wasn't for me. I always have trouble with short story collections and the history repeated itself in this case.
March 21, 2016
This collection of ironic short stories covers a wide variety of social and familial issues. Throughout, there is a feeling of frustration: at the oppression of women, at politics, at self-serving protestors, at communalism. While I didn’t enjoy every story (especially "Teresa's Man"), I did appreciate the social messages that the author wanted to communicate. I can see why he is considered to be one of the best authors in Konkani.
“From the Mouths of Babes”
Mithila lives in Saudi Arabia, where her husband is working for an international company. She struggles with the lack of intimacy forced upon her by the government and the religious police, especially because she has to wear a burka and is not allowed to show any affection for her husband in public.
“In the Land of Humans”
Halsid’du is driving a line of cattle to Goa to be sold to the butcher when something happens that makes him unable to complete the journey as planned.
“Misconceptions”
Sulbha is plagued by her lack of children and by a house full of rats that eat her best saris. She and her husband go to the temple to get god’s blessing for fertility.
“The Cynic”
Baboy is a confirmed cynic of medicine, doctors, and soap. But what happens when his little grandson becomes ill?
“She’s Dead!”
Two rival politicians from Goa arrive in Delhi and plan to have a night on the town, as friends. Then one of them receives a call saying that the other’s wife has died, and he must break it to him gently.
“Coinsanv’s Cattle”
Coinsanv really enjoys caring for her two cows. When an opportunity comes, her husband considers selling them.
“Bandh”
Dattaram, a motorcycle taxi driver, finds himself blocked on his way to work by protesters in support of the mother language.
“The Vighnaharta”
A proud man finds it hard to prepare for Ganesh Chaturti when he learns that rumors about his debts have gone around the neighborhood.
“Teresa’s Man”
Peter’s wife Teresa is a hard-working secretary at a firm in the city; Peter is a lazy layabout who does nothing but ferry her to the station. Finally Peter’s frustration comes out.
“For Death Does Not Come”
During a terrible drought, a water-snake tries to find a way to survive.
“Happy Birthday”
Sick of hearing constant praise of his co-worker’s son, a man tries to make his own son play soccer.
“Electoral Empowerment”
Durga is forced to do everything that her husband wants her to, including preparing breakfast for the electoral workers on Election Day.
“Sand Castles”
When a doctor comes down with a terminal disease, he wants to spend as much time with his family as possible.
“A Writer’s Tale”
A writer goes to a conference in Delhi, where he is accosted by a younger female writer who won’t leave him alone.
Read my full review here: http://thegloballycurious.blogspot.in...
“From the Mouths of Babes”
Mithila lives in Saudi Arabia, where her husband is working for an international company. She struggles with the lack of intimacy forced upon her by the government and the religious police, especially because she has to wear a burka and is not allowed to show any affection for her husband in public.
“In the Land of Humans”
Halsid’du is driving a line of cattle to Goa to be sold to the butcher when something happens that makes him unable to complete the journey as planned.
“Misconceptions”
Sulbha is plagued by her lack of children and by a house full of rats that eat her best saris. She and her husband go to the temple to get god’s blessing for fertility.
“The Cynic”
Baboy is a confirmed cynic of medicine, doctors, and soap. But what happens when his little grandson becomes ill?
“She’s Dead!”
Two rival politicians from Goa arrive in Delhi and plan to have a night on the town, as friends. Then one of them receives a call saying that the other’s wife has died, and he must break it to him gently.
“Coinsanv’s Cattle”
Coinsanv really enjoys caring for her two cows. When an opportunity comes, her husband considers selling them.
“Bandh”
Dattaram, a motorcycle taxi driver, finds himself blocked on his way to work by protesters in support of the mother language.
“The Vighnaharta”
A proud man finds it hard to prepare for Ganesh Chaturti when he learns that rumors about his debts have gone around the neighborhood.
“Teresa’s Man”
Peter’s wife Teresa is a hard-working secretary at a firm in the city; Peter is a lazy layabout who does nothing but ferry her to the station. Finally Peter’s frustration comes out.
“For Death Does Not Come”
During a terrible drought, a water-snake tries to find a way to survive.
“Happy Birthday”
Sick of hearing constant praise of his co-worker’s son, a man tries to make his own son play soccer.
“Electoral Empowerment”
Durga is forced to do everything that her husband wants her to, including preparing breakfast for the electoral workers on Election Day.
“Sand Castles”
When a doctor comes down with a terminal disease, he wants to spend as much time with his family as possible.
“A Writer’s Tale”
A writer goes to a conference in Delhi, where he is accosted by a younger female writer who won’t leave him alone.
Read my full review here: http://thegloballycurious.blogspot.in...
May 31, 2019
Short stories are my bread and butter (and sometimes jam), but no, seriously. I find them delicious, hearty and simple; they’re a great way to find your way back into reading on a regular basis if you find yourself lacking the concentration or not having the time or experiencing a lull when it comes to picking up books and finishing them etc.
I’ve been wanting to read this collection of stories ever since I first spotted Teresa’s Man on my friend, Magali’s (Vaz) Instagram feed, sometime ago. There was a good discount on the book on Amazon, and I ordered it, fairly recently. What drew me in: a) The cover (the beautiful artwork is by Archana Sreenivasan whose work is always so colourful, inspiring and yummy to look at - I think she’s also worked on illustrations for a couple of books by Ruskin Bond); and b) The fact that these stories are based in (and are from) Goa (where I’m from!).
I wish I could’ve read this book in the language it was originally written in, Konkani - sadly, I don’t know it yet; I’m hoping to master Konkani in the coming years (at least, reading and writing if not speaking etc.).
Okay, I need to talk about this book! Wow, I’m so chatty.
The book is okay; I did like some stories - not a lot of them stood out in a way that I could appreciate. Perhaps some of the meaning behind/of the stories got lost in translation? I suspected there were important social messages in the tales... Even so, some messages felt more abrasive than positive (I’m not sure how to explain this, adequately). [The stories I liked are: For Death Does Not Come, Sand Castles and A Writers Tale.]
I’ve been wanting to read this collection of stories ever since I first spotted Teresa’s Man on my friend, Magali’s (Vaz) Instagram feed, sometime ago. There was a good discount on the book on Amazon, and I ordered it, fairly recently. What drew me in: a) The cover (the beautiful artwork is by Archana Sreenivasan whose work is always so colourful, inspiring and yummy to look at - I think she’s also worked on illustrations for a couple of books by Ruskin Bond); and b) The fact that these stories are based in (and are from) Goa (where I’m from!).
I wish I could’ve read this book in the language it was originally written in, Konkani - sadly, I don’t know it yet; I’m hoping to master Konkani in the coming years (at least, reading and writing if not speaking etc.).
Okay, I need to talk about this book! Wow, I’m so chatty.
The book is okay; I did like some stories - not a lot of them stood out in a way that I could appreciate. Perhaps some of the meaning behind/of the stories got lost in translation? I suspected there were important social messages in the tales... Even so, some messages felt more abrasive than positive (I’m not sure how to explain this, adequately). [The stories I liked are: For Death Does Not Come, Sand Castles and A Writers Tale.]
May 17, 2019
A small collection of stories by Sahitya Akademi award winning author Mauzo Damodar, translated from the original in Konkani. The stories belong to another time and place and are remarkable not so much for the writing—which comes across, at least in the English translation, as simplistic—but for the themes the author has chosen to write about.
A few of my favourite stories are:
(1) From the mouths of babes in which a young wife living in UAE is dismayed that her husband does not express affection in public, nor kiss her on the mouth.
(2) Misconceptions which tells the story of a young childless couple who face a rat menace in their house.
(3) For death does not come, a heartbreaking story of a water snake in summer.
(4) Happy birthday, a shocking story of how the parents of a child with a mental disability decide to celebrate his birthday.
(5) Sand castles the story of courage in the face of doom.
(6) Electoral empowerment, a tale of an oppressed woman who sees voting as an act of rebellion.
Goa does not feature prominently in all the stories but is there as the unifying backdrop, the roots from where these characters spring. A fascinating read.
A few of my favourite stories are:
(1) From the mouths of babes in which a young wife living in UAE is dismayed that her husband does not express affection in public, nor kiss her on the mouth.
(2) Misconceptions which tells the story of a young childless couple who face a rat menace in their house.
(3) For death does not come, a heartbreaking story of a water snake in summer.
(4) Happy birthday, a shocking story of how the parents of a child with a mental disability decide to celebrate his birthday.
(5) Sand castles the story of courage in the face of doom.
(6) Electoral empowerment, a tale of an oppressed woman who sees voting as an act of rebellion.
Goa does not feature prominently in all the stories but is there as the unifying backdrop, the roots from where these characters spring. A fascinating read.
April 28, 2017
I'd never read an author from Goa before and was very curious. How much of a Goan flavor would it have? Would it be global or definitely Goan? All characters were Goan. Delightful read. All the stories are not happy stories, especially the one titled Teresa's man. The language is simple, the words are very Indian and the context of most- so Goan it seems!
May 27, 2019
This is a lovely collection of stories set in Goa and which reflect so much of Goa's people and its socio cultural landscape.
August 3, 2018
Simple stories simply written.
February 18, 2023
This book is a collection of short stories set in different timelines based in Goa. I was so excited to start this book because it is my first book based on Goa and I wanted to read about its culture and background apart from being a tourist place. After reading this book, I would say that authors should write more Goan literature because the setting and culture is so rich and diverse.
A few stories in the book were witty, a few melancholic, and a few were thought-provoking. Though I would say I loved a few stories, I did not get entirely invested in a few others. That is because most of the stories had an open ending. It is one thing to finish a book on a cliffhanger, and it is entirely different to stop stories abruptly in the middle and call it an open ending. I would have loved it more if I knew more about each story, and I definitely prefer a proper ending for most of them.
My favourites were: Electoral empowerment, Sand castles and a writer's tale. The rest were kind of okayish and didn't stay with me for long. Most stories felt more preachy than convincing, and quite a lot of the circumstances didn't appear to happen in real life and were overly imaginative.
Otherwise, the writing and the language, background and cultural references felt appropriate and relatable.
My review: 2.5/5 ( I did not think I wouldn't enjoy this book when I started. Sadly, my excitement was cut short just in the first chapter. The best chapters were towards the end and probably should have been the early chapters to create an impact).
October 26, 2023
This is an eclectic collection of stories about Goans from different walks of life. The stories span from rural to urban life, where the protagonists belong to different economic and religious backgrounds. In "Death Does not Come" we even hear the harrowing tale of a water snake's journey to find a body of water in a draught ridden land. Mauzo is as eclectic with the topics he writes about, his stories range from topics like the condition of poor farmers in rural Goa in Coinsanv's Cattle and In the Land of Humans, to the condition of married urban women in Teresa's Man, Electoral Empowerment and so much more in between. His writing style is sharp, and witty, and always packs a punch.
My ratings per story:
From the mouth of babes: 3
In the land of humans: 5
Misconceptions: 4
The cynic: 3
She's dead: 3
Coinsanv's cattle: 5
Bandh: 5
The Vighnaharta: 5
Teresa's Man: 5
For death does not come: 5
Happy Birthday: 5
Electoral empowerment: 5
Sand Castles: 4.5
A writer's tale: 3
My ratings per story:
From the mouth of babes: 3
In the land of humans: 5
Misconceptions: 4
The cynic: 3
She's dead: 3
Coinsanv's cattle: 5
Bandh: 5
The Vighnaharta: 5
Teresa's Man: 5
For death does not come: 5
Happy Birthday: 5
Electoral empowerment: 5
Sand Castles: 4.5
A writer's tale: 3
May 26, 2020
This is my first book set in Goa. A collection of short stories - simple, uncomplicated - this book outlines the daily lives of common people of Goa giving a glimpse into the Konkani culture, language. Some stories pull at your heart strings. Some stories let you ponder on what happens to the characters after the stories end.
My favourites - In the Land of Humans, The Cynic, Coinsanv's Cattle, For Death Does Not Come, Happy Birthday.
My favourites - In the Land of Humans, The Cynic, Coinsanv's Cattle, For Death Does Not Come, Happy Birthday.
July 8, 2020
A beautiful collection of short stories. Loved almost all of them. The human nature portrayed in it's naked form sometimes makes one feel elated to be human and at other times makes one ashamed to be a human. All together a great read, well translated.
A great read. Good for people who like to read honest stories. Raw human emotions well etched and portrayed. Looking forward to read more work by the writer.
A great read. Good for people who like to read honest stories. Raw human emotions well etched and portrayed. Looking forward to read more work by the writer.
December 20, 2020
Fantastic short stories. This is a good catch if you are looking for a quick read. Stories are gripping, some are emotional, some are witty. What we Indians call for a movie, a masala movie which has all the elements to entertain a viewer. Just like that this book is the same. Especially endings, they don't usually end with a happy ending or so rather writer will leave message/endings to readers perspective.
March 21, 2022
I was looking forward to perhaps more localised stories from what my understanding is of Goa and its Portugese culture. This book was different in that aspect. The stories are simple and usually short stories leave an indellible mark on people, but unfortunately none of them did that in this collection.
August 20, 2020
I visited Goa in Aug 2020 and since then I have become a fan of it. The Goa in monsoon, quite beaches, and the roads have become a beautiful memory for me.
After enjoying Goa sites and cuisine I wished to indulge myself in literary world and thus I came across this book. Few stories are so gripping and others are so true to their essence. My heart went out to certain situations that showed so much pain and lack of humanity. Love the writing. Will want to read more.
After enjoying Goa sites and cuisine I wished to indulge myself in literary world and thus I came across this book. Few stories are so gripping and others are so true to their essence. My heart went out to certain situations that showed so much pain and lack of humanity. Love the writing. Will want to read more.
May 23, 2021
Short stories that present us with the bygone era, Teresa's Man and Other Stories from Goa is interesting and convenient to read when you need to get out of a slump. Most stories have an interesting twist at the end, some funny, some sad and some that are a mixed bag.
June 19, 2020
A few stories are very thought provoking. They end with an unforseen twist. The story, 'A Writer's Tale' is very intriguing but the end makes you smile.
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