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Susegad: The Goan Art of Contentment

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Susegad' is a Konkani word that has no exact translation in English. Goans use it to convey the sense of contentment, fulfilment and relaxation that everyone associates with Goa and its culture. Clyde D'Souza, bestselling author and proud Goan, shows us the wonderful, unique elements that help Goans achieve susegad, and what you can do to add a pinch of this magic to your life, no matter where you live.

As Clyde takes us on a journey through Goa's beautiful beaches, lush greenery, exquisite cuisine, mix of Portuguese and Konkani culture, its history, festivals, music and architecture, you'll learn what makes Goans tick and how they've created habits and routines that lend happiness and calm to their lives. Interviews with noted Goans, short stories, recipes and pictures in this book bring out what it means to be Goan, and help you find your own susegad.

240 pages, Hardcover

Published February 22, 2021

35 people are currently reading
253 people want to read

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Clyde D' Souza

3 books10 followers

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5 stars
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54 (34%)
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11 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Khyati Gautam.
888 reviews249 followers
April 2, 2021
Susegad by Clyde D'Souza is an insightful book on the Goan way of living. Susegad literally means feeling blissful and content. And that's exactly what this book advocates. A lot of people have a fascination for Goa, its beaches, and its mad vibe. However, there's a lot more to the smallest state of India. This book takes the onus of directing us to a holistic view of Goa.

With a refreshing narrative and simple writing, the author walks us through different aspects of Goan culture. Be it food, music, culture, or just a reflective way of living, Susegad captures everything with ease. But most importantly, it presents a truer picture of Goa as a few Goans narrate their experiences and stories. Yes! We get to know about authentic Goa from the people who have lived there and loved each inch of it. A layman would surely get a sneak peek into Goa's history, culture, and much more.

Apart from this, this book offers tips on how one can achieve absolute happiness in their life. Also, also, there are short stories, recipes, and everything else to make you feel relaxed.

Did I mention that there are wonderful colour pictures too?

If you want to know more about Goa, read Susegad and fall in love with the Goan vibe.
Profile Image for Ajay Asranna.
38 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2021
The pandemic has rekindled interest in happiness science. It is also not co-incidental that people seemed to gravitate towards Goa for rejuvenation in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. The "vibe" of Goa has now attained the status of a cliche. D'Souza chooses unique elements of Goan culture, adds a touch of popular science, and philosophy and conjures a frothy and fun cocktail. The book stays true to the spirit of Goa- light, breezy and enjoyable. An ideal beach read, preferably somewhere in a beach shack in Goa, accompanied by a feni. Sometimes, giving in to the cliche may be best path to contentment.
Profile Image for Johann Fernandes.
23 reviews
January 20, 2022
Being a Goan myself, not a lot of things mentioned in the book were groundbreaking or surprising. Getting through the first few chapters were more difficult than finishing the book probably because I didn't like the author's style of writing 'men'. At one point - Clyde goes on to give a schpiel about habits. Thought that it was quite unnecessary.

Really enjoyed reading Moving to Goa by Katarina Kakar.
141 reviews
January 13, 2025
My father’s ancestry is Goan, so when I discovered a supper club that was serving Goan cuisine, I was very excited to attend. The menu was mostly coastal food (perhaps this is where my love of seafood comes from?) It was such a nostalgic meal: so many dishes and spices from my childhood.

The theme of the evening was ‘Susegad’. I felt embarrassed to have no clue what this word meant, as I was told it is the quintessential word to describe the Goan lifestyle. It is all about being laidback and chill, and enjoying the simple pleasures in life.

I was intrigued. Feeling like a clueless Goan, I had to do some more digging into the word. In my online search, I came across this book. I had to read it.

This book is a mish-mash of fables, anecdotes, interviews and recipes on all things that mean ‘Susegad’. The author does a great job at bringing the culture to life. I feel like I can smell those mangoes, the sea salt air on the beach and the curries wafting from homes. Even when he writes how goans speak, it’s like he is describing my grandparents and the uncles & aunties I would hear chatting during holidays. He even includes a lot of tongue-in-cheek Uncle jokes that are endearing.

This is not a book you fly through. I felt I had to read it slowly and take in every chapter. I have learned so much about Goan history & culture. It really captured the Susegad idea of contentment. I hope to carry some of that Susegad into my day-to-day life.
Profile Image for Nilesh Rebello.
29 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2024
A good book for all Delhikaars who have invested in goan properties and want to 'know the culture'.

As someone born in Goa - this book was a tad bit shallow.
Profile Image for Riya Joseph Kaithavanathara.
Author 5 books17 followers
July 15, 2022
" To really enjoy proverbs, one must hear then in a Goan dialect."

BOOK: SUSEGAD- The Goab Art of Contentment
AUTHOR: @clydedsouzaauthor
GENRE: #historical
PUBLISHER: @penguinindia
RATING: 🥥🥥🥥🥥🥥

What is SUSEGAD?

A term coined from the portuguese word "sossagado" which means quiet.

But in the book, the author refers to susegad as "peace and satisfaction". What do we need in this life? What do we crave the most? We want to have a peaceful life, to be happy, to have what we need. We might run behind money or fame or other material aspects but without peace we never reach real satisfaction. In this book the author wishes to teach you ways towards a content life, practised by Goans. The roots, the culture, the historical heritages, the beautiful sceneries, the beaches, the seasons, the coconut, mango, kokum, feni, the seasonal food, the home cooked recipes, the way they lead their life, from A to Z is a tribute to Goa, Goans and most importantly to those who made Goa, a home!

Everyone have a love towards goa, especially as its one of the best tourist attractions of India. But living there, in the Goan way, thats going to be a practise if you are not already goan and its going to be a fun practise.

But irrespective of a place, peace & contentment begins from within, it starts from truly understanding the difference between want and need.

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Profile Image for ReadnMarked.
137 reviews13 followers
May 15, 2021
"How beautiful life would be if we learn to live it the Goan way." - Me after reading Susegad by @clydoscopedoodles

Susegad is a Konkani word. It conveys a sense of contentment, relaxation and fulfilment in Goan culture. So far, I always associated Goa with crazy parties in North and breathtakingly beautiful beaches in South but after reading Susegad, I am craving to go back to Goa and see it from the eyes of its natives.

The saying, "Books take you places and makes you see the world you never imagined existed." absolutely fits for this book because it took me on a journey and made me travel Goa without having me to move out of my bed. I tasted the delicious cuisines, dreamt of the beautiful places, interacted with the most amazing people and much more.

I read this one slow and steady and devour in every chapter and lived every moment to the best of my ability. We all have something to learn from this book. Time and again I write so much about being happy, lifting other people up, not giving up and so on and this book describes all this with so much practicality. I mean there are literally people practising Susegad and living a happy and fulfilling life and if they can, so can we.

Now, I need to mention one more thing before closing. Susegad is not a hard and fast rule but its definition for every person can be different and only by imbibing its true essence can one practice it in the best way possible.

My verdict would be to pick this book up and read one chapter a day and truly try to take out as much positivity as you can from this one.

My Rating - 4.5/5
Profile Image for Ila.
45 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2021
‘Susegad: The Art of Contentment’ by Clyde D’Souza seeks to understand Goan culture in relation to the art of contentment, much like how Ikigai and Hygge have been explored in recent times.

Food, music, dance, architecture, nature, festivals, and a close-knit community are an integral part of Goan culture and way of living, and the book includes heirloom recipes, anecdotes, songs, interviews, history, and even Konkani proverbs!

While I loved the concept of the book, I felt that it lacked depth, as much of what is ascribed to the Goan art of contentment holds true for other communities and cultures as well. Every community in India has a rich culture, history, and cuisine, and when we delve into the details of traditional practices and lifestyles, we’re sure to find nuggets of wisdom that remain relevant today and may help us lead happier lives.

Nevertheless, I learned a lot about Goa, including the Konkani proverb ‘Aiz maka, faela tuka,’ which means ‘today for me, tomorrow for you,’ signifying the inevitability of good and bad fate, and the need to help each other through difficult times.
Profile Image for Karyn.
230 reviews19 followers
February 4, 2024
Goa the land of sea and sunshine. Ask anyone and surely they have heard of it. Well known for its many beaches, food and relaxed atmosphere.
Susegad, in other words means contentment, often found to describe goans and their culture.
The author, takes us back to his childhood and describes his home town, the food, the festivals, music, the decor and the markets. He has also included some interviews with well known Goans.
I loved how he has summarised each chapter and also included short stories to go with it.
Although I've been to Goa several times there is always something new to look out and learn.
Those interested in Goan cusine there are few recipies included.
I listen to this podcast musafir stories and that is where I heard the author and got this book. The author also has his own Susegad stories on Spotify.
I enjoyed this relaxing read and if you like virtual trips this might be the book for you.
Profile Image for Manasa.
35 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2021
If you want to know what is Goa and it’s people, then Susegad is the perfect book. The author himself is a native and gives us an interesting perception of life in Goa. Through his words, we journey to see several local artists, taste the ingenious cuisines, discover the many variations of Mangoes, festivals and celebrations, the art of brewing Feni, and understanding the Goan perception of contentment that it’s people have adapted and lived happily for years. There are also glimpses of his childhood memories in Goa that makes the whole read very personal.
Profile Image for Yukti Sharma.
65 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2021
A simple book to understand the magic of Goa- the food, the history, the language,the people, the stories, feni,afternoon siestas,flea markets, beaches, endangered turtles, bebinc, goan mangoes, balcaos, goan music, monsoons and so much more !
The book has chapters on different aspects of Goan Susegad life with short stories, recipes, interviews, must visit places and pictures.

Do pick it up before your next visit to this incredible place.
Profile Image for Maya Gopalakrishnan.
364 reviews34 followers
January 13, 2022
In a Hygge and Ikigai style book Clyde D'Souza tries to dissect and market the quintessential Goan Susegard. To his credit it's much less commercial than the usual happiness books. The research is limited and the aphorisms are clichéd but there seems some Goan pearls. This could have been much more.
Profile Image for Prerna.
80 reviews68 followers
March 21, 2021
Such a delightful book to read. I felt like this was more of an experience than a book. Absolutely lovely! And very easy to read, I may add.
Profile Image for Neharika.
1 review3 followers
July 13, 2021
Breezy fun read! Visited Goa virtually through this book :)
Profile Image for sneha.
262 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2021
The book is quite nice. A celebration of Goa, its history and culture. I didn't enjoy it much -- that's it.
Profile Image for Sharwari Kulkarni.
23 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2022
Good, relaxing read. Goa is a place of bliss and this book helps to see Goa beyond it's touristy vibes.

Susegad is Goan expression of peacefulness and this book decodes what exactly is there in Goa that people are always peaceful, relaxed and content.

The book talks about important elements of Goan lifestyle like habits, culture, nature, community etc. Giving us an impression that life can be lived peacefully with contentment if we do certain things as per the nature and culture.

Specifically, book talks about building habits and environment in a way that it leads to a content life. These habits include living as per the season's demand, respecting time of the day, eating local food, celebrating local festivals, maintaining connections with your community, respecting cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.

The book contains interviews of famous Goan personalities who are helping to preserve its culture, nature, food and art forms.

It also has some local stories included in each of the chapters. Some of them are taken from history but some look imaginary. Not sure if author has written them or borrowed them from local literature.

On the surface level, the book gives an impression that life must be perfect in Goa but that's not the case. We have to take this book with pinch of salt. The author isn't a resident of Goa, he has spent his life in Mumbai. He is originally from Goa but to me it appears that author has looked at life in Goa through a window. He didn't really immersed into it. Hence, he found all the good things about it but to urban people like us this life might give a feel good factor for sometime but we are trained to live life in certain way and this lifestyle may feel excessively laid back.

Apart from these 2 words of caution, book is a must read, considering Goa is India's favorite holiday destination. This will help us to feel more connected with our lovely holiday destination.

The best part is this: if you read this book, you exactly know what places to visit for nature tour, culture tour and having authentic food while on a holiday! 😃

I can't wait to visit Goa now for the Nth time...! ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Rahul Vishnoi.
815 reviews26 followers
January 8, 2024
The author, a Goan through and through, writes about Susegad (Portuguese word 'sossagado' which loosely translates into a typical peaceful holiday feeling) in his very Goan book. A Susegad book, I must say.

Susegad is an account of Goa and the Goans. It encapsulates the very soul of the land which takes pride in being laid back, in being happy in doing little or maybe even nothing. For what is happiness but stillness?

It’s clear the Clyde is pretty smitten with Goa. And who isn’t? The ones who live in a land of sea and beauty are blessed but continuous tourist exposure is a problem for some.

Clyde writes that Susegad is the Goan way of taking a step back, slowing down and living in the present.Goans have lived this way for centuries. It is the very crux of what makes Goa, Goa. So, while the Japanese concept of Ikigai concerns itself with happiness and living a long life, and the Danish idea of Hygge is associated with cosiness, the Goan susegad is not a pursuit of but a state of happiness.

Goans have made susegad habits a part of their everyday life. It's an automatic system, from the little things like buying poee (bread) in the morning to taking a siesta.

Clyde cites examples and synopses from other hugely popular books and compares it to life and habits in Goa. This made me lose thread a bit because I didn’t want to read about other books in Susegad, but just about Goa.
Profile Image for Nikhil Kamath.
Author 3 books13 followers
June 9, 2023
I can safely say that the one book I could really connect with after a long time is 'Susegad: The Goan Art of Contentment' by Clyde D'Souza.

Being a Konkani speaker, there were so many things in the book, from the traditions to the food to the music and everything else, that was familiar to me.

People also call Susegad an Indian version of Ikigai, but I beg to differ. Both Susegad and Ikigai do have some similarities; on reading both books, I have found that the two concepts are entirely different.

Ikigai focuses on living a long and happy life, while Susgad is about being comfortable and happy with what one has and appreciating the little things around us. I really liked how in the book, there is an emphasis on being one with nature and giving back to it what we have taken.

Overall, if you want to open your mind to the real Goa and Goans, Susegad is a book that will take you on a journey through the smallest state of India from the comfort of your home.
Profile Image for Shobhika.
34 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2024
The book cover is undeniably attractive, particularly for anyone with an interest in Goa or its lifestyle.

As a long-time resident of Goa, deeply involved in researching Goan culture and having served as a former features editor for a popular Goan lifestyle magazine, I found this book to evoke a sense of nostalgia for Goan life.

While it offered moments of engaging reading, I question its value for those already familiar with life in Goa. The content mostly reiterates what is already known, occasionally losing sight of its intended focus on projecting the Goan "Susegad" as a lifestyle, akin to how "Ikigai" portrayed Japanese life. The interviews lacked depth, contributing to the book's shortcomings.

Residents of Goa might find little new information here, but for those outside the region, it serves as a decent introduction to understanding Goa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
16 reviews22 followers
January 4, 2025
Similar to IKIGAI, this books talks of how Goan life is traditionally connected to nature and relaxed way of living. One may not find anything earth shattering in it. Take away the modern tools and tech and almost all parts of the country will have a comparable story to tell. Nicely compiled/written, worth a casual read.
Profile Image for Varsha.
19 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2021
Everyone who has ever been to Goa or dreams of it must read this fabulous book. The author has captured the beautiful nuances and flavours of Goa in an engaging and quirky style. It will leave you giggling every now and again while a gooey feeling of warmth and love fills your being.
Profile Image for Abhilash VB.
13 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2023
A good book for insights on Susegad. However, the author do go off topic time to time and thus size of the book could have been trimmed. Additionally, I feel he could delved little further into the concepts of Susegad.
Profile Image for Anushree Rastogi.
114 reviews65 followers
November 7, 2021
Light and easy going read. I found it accessible and not overly academic yet insightful. A hard balance to maintain. One can tell the author had as much fun writing this book as one has reading it.
Profile Image for Nisha Harbola.
Author 2 books15 followers
January 19, 2022
It's the perfect first book to start my year. Love the Goan way of living, its oneness with nature, and calm, meditative means of keeping on. Hope I can apply what I read in this beautiful book.
8 reviews
January 30, 2022
The author tends to deviate from talking about Goa/Susegad to topics like meditation benefits, something I believe breaks the flow of reading.
Profile Image for Nilesh Bane.
38 reviews
September 3, 2022
Loved it! Light, delicious, Susegad! This book will leave you in good mood.
I also enjoyed knowing so many facts about Goa.
Profile Image for Andrea Quinny.
31 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2024
Susegad in the true sense means contentment, relaxation, and basically true happiness.

The author takes us on a colorful ride of experiences in Goa. This book explains the real meaning of Susegad, the food, the people, and so on.

The Goan festivals, celebrations, and traditions are well explained. You cannot miss anything. The traditional Goan names or words are so rhythmic that you want to learn more.

Clyde D'Souza has done everything and left no stone unturned to ensure every reader pursues Goa differently, embraces it's culture, and preserves its traditions from their heart.

Happy reading! 💕💕
Profile Image for Tats.
302 reviews11 followers
December 19, 2023
In recent years there have been several books on various cultures' concepts such as Hygge, Ikigai and Zen. I generally enjoy them since they give a terrific deep dive into the concept itself and the culture and societies they originated from.
Hence, I also thoroughly enjoyed "Susegad: The Goan Art of Contentment". Clyde D'Souza explains the wide range of explanations of 'susegad' with a selection of fictional stories, fun facts and hands-on suggestions on how you can live with more susegad in your life, no matter if you are currently in Goa or not.
I lived for three years in the small Indian state and loved revisiting some of my favourite places while learning so much more that I am left a little disappointed that the book wasn't around when I was there for me to discover places, people and maybe more of my own susegad.
Loved it! Recommend it! Have to go now and find my susegad. ;)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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