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The Greatest Goan Stories Ever Told
The Greatest Goan Stories Ever Told features some of the best short fiction to emerge from the pens of Goans living in India and abroad over the last century, in English and superbly translated from the Portuguese, Konkani, and Marathi. The storytellers included range from eminent writers such as Laxmanrao Sardessai and Vimala Devi to contemporary writers like Damodar Mauzo, Ramnath Gajanan Gawade, Jessica Faleiro, and Derek Mascarenhas.
The collected stories cover subjects as wide, diverse, and absorbing as the Goan people— from iron ore mining in Epitácio Pais’s ‘A Story about Mines’ and Pundalik Naik’s ‘The Palm Tree’ and the agrarian village lifestyle in Mahableshwar Sail’s ‘The Yoke’ and Prakash S. Parienkar’s ‘The Sacrifice’, to diasporic experiences in Selma Carvalho’s ‘Bed Blocker No. 10’ and Roanna Gonsalves’s ‘Curry Muncher’, and patriarchal family structures in Nayana Adarkar’s ‘The Protector’. Goa threads these stories together—its varied characters from various communities and religions, its colourful people, its Portuguese colonial history, its picturesque landscape, and the general aura surrounding the place.
Selected and edited by Manohar Shetty, the twenty-seven stories in this anthology are proof that there’s more to Goa than hats and sunglasses, printed shirts and shorts, cameras, seafood, and holidaymakers frolicking on its beaches.
The collected stories cover subjects as wide, diverse, and absorbing as the Goan people— from iron ore mining in Epitácio Pais’s ‘A Story about Mines’ and Pundalik Naik’s ‘The Palm Tree’ and the agrarian village lifestyle in Mahableshwar Sail’s ‘The Yoke’ and Prakash S. Parienkar’s ‘The Sacrifice’, to diasporic experiences in Selma Carvalho’s ‘Bed Blocker No. 10’ and Roanna Gonsalves’s ‘Curry Muncher’, and patriarchal family structures in Nayana Adarkar’s ‘The Protector’. Goa threads these stories together—its varied characters from various communities and religions, its colourful people, its Portuguese colonial history, its picturesque landscape, and the general aura surrounding the place.
Selected and edited by Manohar Shetty, the twenty-seven stories in this anthology are proof that there’s more to Goa than hats and sunglasses, printed shirts and shorts, cameras, seafood, and holidaymakers frolicking on its beaches.
- GenresShort StoriesAnthologies
304 pages, Hardcover
Published November 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 10, 2023
Compared to the other books in the series, The Greatest Goan Stories Ever Told is slightly different. It is the only book that is based on stories collected from a state rather than stories written in a specific language. This anthology consists of short stories translated from Portuguese, Marathi, and Konkani, as well as stories originally written in English itself. This immediately changes the landscape of the collection in comparison to the other books.
Another difference, one which I did not find as enriching, is that the anthology includes a bunch of stories that are not specifically Goan, but give more of an migrant perspective. There are at least two Australian stories, some stories set in other parts of India, as well as British and Tanzanian stories. This defeats the purpose of showcasing the Goan landscape in different forms. Or I may just be tired of the whole migrant perspective that has become so common in literature nowadays.
The collection is, on the whole, quite average. I enjoyed reading the book but it did not enchant me. The anthologist / editor, Manohar Shetty, himself has a story included, which I found rather interesting! One interesting aspect that becomes immediately clear on reading these stories is how much of an influence the Portuguese had on Goan culture. I did not realise how deep these roots went, especially in Catholic families, despite me knowing so many Goans!
Some of my favourites are ...
Sunanda's Dream by Sheela Jaywant : Sunanda is a village girl who finds employment as a security guard. Over time, the monotonousness of life and work sets in, but a simple incident makes her happy.
Coinsanv's Cattle by Damodar Mauzo : Coinsanv and Inas love their cattle and take very good care of them. But poverty and a failed crop forces them to sell the cattle at the local Purument fest. While Inas is gone, Coinsanv prays that the bull would not be sold, but when Inas returns, we get a surprise.
FloRitta by Savia Viegas : When an aging forty year old woman settles for an arranged marriage, she ends up in an abusive relationship. Luckily things work out for her when she finds her backbone and decides that enough is enough. I rather like these type of stories where women finally stand up for themselves, and it ends on a positive note.
The Dead Donkey by Pralay Bakshi : This really gives off a Peepli Live vibe and was similarly amusing. When a dead donkey is found next to a pav bhaji stand, the joke that is the Indian bureaucracy gets into action. The end is simply hilarious!
The Homecoming by Cordelia B. Francis : A wonderful story of a man who is toughened by time and religion. A chance remark by his priest brings home the futility of his strictness and fanaticism and gives him a chance to enhance his artistry by serving other religious communities in addition to his own.
Bapo Kale's House by José Lourenço : Bapo Kale and his wife, Bhagi Kale, live in a house near a gas factory. The uneducated in India are beautifully represented by the utter ridiculousness of this story. When government officials try to conduct a safety drill, it goes completely over the couple's heads. Whoooooshh!
There were other nice stories as well including the one by the editor, Manohar Shetty, himself. I am shaving off one star for the inclusion of the non-Goan stories that I also did not enjoy too much anyway. However, it is noteworthy that out of 27 stories, 11 are by women! Good job there, Goa (and Shetty)!
Visiting Odisha next!
Another difference, one which I did not find as enriching, is that the anthology includes a bunch of stories that are not specifically Goan, but give more of an migrant perspective. There are at least two Australian stories, some stories set in other parts of India, as well as British and Tanzanian stories. This defeats the purpose of showcasing the Goan landscape in different forms. Or I may just be tired of the whole migrant perspective that has become so common in literature nowadays.
The collection is, on the whole, quite average. I enjoyed reading the book but it did not enchant me. The anthologist / editor, Manohar Shetty, himself has a story included, which I found rather interesting! One interesting aspect that becomes immediately clear on reading these stories is how much of an influence the Portuguese had on Goan culture. I did not realise how deep these roots went, especially in Catholic families, despite me knowing so many Goans!
Some of my favourites are ...
Sunanda's Dream by Sheela Jaywant : Sunanda is a village girl who finds employment as a security guard. Over time, the monotonousness of life and work sets in, but a simple incident makes her happy.
Coinsanv's Cattle by Damodar Mauzo : Coinsanv and Inas love their cattle and take very good care of them. But poverty and a failed crop forces them to sell the cattle at the local Purument fest. While Inas is gone, Coinsanv prays that the bull would not be sold, but when Inas returns, we get a surprise.
FloRitta by Savia Viegas : When an aging forty year old woman settles for an arranged marriage, she ends up in an abusive relationship. Luckily things work out for her when she finds her backbone and decides that enough is enough. I rather like these type of stories where women finally stand up for themselves, and it ends on a positive note.
The Dead Donkey by Pralay Bakshi : This really gives off a Peepli Live vibe and was similarly amusing. When a dead donkey is found next to a pav bhaji stand, the joke that is the Indian bureaucracy gets into action. The end is simply hilarious!
The Homecoming by Cordelia B. Francis : A wonderful story of a man who is toughened by time and religion. A chance remark by his priest brings home the futility of his strictness and fanaticism and gives him a chance to enhance his artistry by serving other religious communities in addition to his own.
Bapo Kale's House by José Lourenço : Bapo Kale and his wife, Bhagi Kale, live in a house near a gas factory. The uneducated in India are beautifully represented by the utter ridiculousness of this story. When government officials try to conduct a safety drill, it goes completely over the couple's heads. Whoooooshh!
There were other nice stories as well including the one by the editor, Manohar Shetty, himself. I am shaving off one star for the inclusion of the non-Goan stories that I also did not enjoy too much anyway. However, it is noteworthy that out of 27 stories, 11 are by women! Good job there, Goa (and Shetty)!
Visiting Odisha next!
December 30, 2022
The only collection in this series of regional Indian language stories that is state-based, as the stories range in language from Portuguese, Konkani, Marathi to English. Ordinary rural folk and their mundane existence with occasional bits of drama, humour, battles with recalcitrant bureaucrats and so on.
December 7, 2022
What comes to your mind when you think of Goa? Is it the beaches, the fantastic seafood, the cheap alcohol, the printed shirts, the sunglasses, or the hats? Well, to be honest, when I first started reading this collection, I thought it will contain some light-hearted stories set against the backdrop of the beautiful beaches there. But there's so much more!
These are the stories of the various challenges faced by the Goans and reflect their difficult choices, such as the dilemmas of the villagers, the class divide, the prevalent gender inequality, and the plight of the iron ore miners that sometimes pushes them to scams and smuggling. This anthology contains stories in English and masterfully translated from Portuguese, Konkani, and Marathi. You'll find stories written by eminent writers such as Laxmanrao Sardessai, Vimala Devi, Ramnath Gawade, Damodar Mauzo, Jessica Faleiro, and Derek Mascarenhas. There are a total of twenty-seven stories in this anthology and all of them are of such different genres.
I was so excited to read Damodar Mauzo's Coinsanv's Cattle as I had heard such amazing things about it! It kept me hooked till the end. While reading the story, I was fully prepared for the heartbreaking ending and it did turn out to be tragic but for such different reasons. Helplessness and poverty can put people in such difficult situations that it becomes difficult for them to choose the more humane option. But I would say that there's a good mix of stories in this book in terms of range and diversity! There are also stories that I found wholesome and heartwarming, like Mr. Secondhand by Manohar Shetty. I absolutely loved it!☺️
There are many stories in this anthology that will pull all your heartstrings and leave you thinking. This is an excellent book to know about the past and the present of Goa- its Portuguese colonial history and its various communities. There's more to Goa than its picturesque landscape. I absolutely loved this anthology! And I really hope you love it too! This book deserves way more recognition than it is getting!
These are the stories of the various challenges faced by the Goans and reflect their difficult choices, such as the dilemmas of the villagers, the class divide, the prevalent gender inequality, and the plight of the iron ore miners that sometimes pushes them to scams and smuggling. This anthology contains stories in English and masterfully translated from Portuguese, Konkani, and Marathi. You'll find stories written by eminent writers such as Laxmanrao Sardessai, Vimala Devi, Ramnath Gawade, Damodar Mauzo, Jessica Faleiro, and Derek Mascarenhas. There are a total of twenty-seven stories in this anthology and all of them are of such different genres.
I was so excited to read Damodar Mauzo's Coinsanv's Cattle as I had heard such amazing things about it! It kept me hooked till the end. While reading the story, I was fully prepared for the heartbreaking ending and it did turn out to be tragic but for such different reasons. Helplessness and poverty can put people in such difficult situations that it becomes difficult for them to choose the more humane option. But I would say that there's a good mix of stories in this book in terms of range and diversity! There are also stories that I found wholesome and heartwarming, like Mr. Secondhand by Manohar Shetty. I absolutely loved it!☺️
There are many stories in this anthology that will pull all your heartstrings and leave you thinking. This is an excellent book to know about the past and the present of Goa- its Portuguese colonial history and its various communities. There's more to Goa than its picturesque landscape. I absolutely loved this anthology! And I really hope you love it too! This book deserves way more recognition than it is getting!
November 23, 2022
Collected and edited by Manohar Shetty, The Greatest Goan Stories Ever Told is a collection of some of the finest short stories written by Goans over the past century who have lived in India and abroad. It is written in English and has been expertly translated from Portuguese, Konkani, and Marathi. Eminent authors like Laxmanrao Sardessai and Vimala Devi are among the storytellers, as are modern authors like Jessica Faleiro, Damodar Mauzo, and Ramnath Gajanan Gawade.
Due to its gorgeous beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and beer that is cheaper than the cheapest bottled water, Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations among both Indian and foreign visitors. The spectacular coastline of more than 100 kilometres in Goa, which is dotted with hundreds of magnificent beaches, offers breathtaking vistas and tranquillity where visitors can unwind and enjoy the sun.
The Greatest Goan Stories Ever Told weaves these tales together using the diverse cast of individuals from different cultures and religions, the vibrant locals, bringing to light its Portuguese colonial culture rich history, the scenic surroundings, and the general vibe of the location.
There is more to this facet of Goa than hats and sunglasses, printed shirts and shorts, photography, seafood, booze, and tourists having a good time on its beaches, as encompassed by the twenty-seven stories in this stunning potpourri.
Due to its gorgeous beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and beer that is cheaper than the cheapest bottled water, Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations among both Indian and foreign visitors. The spectacular coastline of more than 100 kilometres in Goa, which is dotted with hundreds of magnificent beaches, offers breathtaking vistas and tranquillity where visitors can unwind and enjoy the sun.
The Greatest Goan Stories Ever Told weaves these tales together using the diverse cast of individuals from different cultures and religions, the vibrant locals, bringing to light its Portuguese colonial culture rich history, the scenic surroundings, and the general vibe of the location.
There is more to this facet of Goa than hats and sunglasses, printed shirts and shorts, photography, seafood, booze, and tourists having a good time on its beaches, as encompassed by the twenty-seven stories in this stunning potpourri.
May 11, 2023
As an Indian, who is not Goan, I found this a very interesting read. I didn’t know much about Goan history/culture going in so I liked how this anthology had stories on both the struggles of village life in Goa as well as that of the Goan diaspora.
Of course, the quality of the stories is variable, as with any multi-author anthology. However, I still highly recommend this collection as there are some really lovely stories in there.
Of course, the quality of the stories is variable, as with any multi-author anthology. However, I still highly recommend this collection as there are some really lovely stories in there.
May 12, 2023
"Sometimes, heaven is found unexpectedly in the most mundane places."
A journey into unseen Goa.
The collection of Goan stories features translated stories from Konkani, Portuguese and Marathi. I am surprised to see that there is a lot of literature written in Portuguese about the Goan culture.
The second story An Heir Apparent by Augusto do Rosario Rodrigues is a cozy tale of two old friends - one a Man of Science and other a Man of God and their drinking together. The twist in the tale is excellent. The two emotional stories from the rural Goa are The Yoke by Mahabaleshwar Sail and Coinsanv's Cattle by Damodar Mauzo are written beautifully.
And then there are gut-wrenching tales of nostalgia, loss, love and dreams. Some of my favorites are - Mr. Secondhand by Manohar Shetty, Sunanda's Dream by Sheela Jaywant, On Sernabatim Beach by Jessica Faleiro and Coconut Dreams by Derek Fernandes.
A special shout-out to the frustrating tales - The Protector by Nayana Adarkar and A Tale of Toilet by Ramnath Gajanan Gawde which talk about patriarchy, bureaucracy and caste discrimination.
I am looking forward to reading more literature from the featured authors and I will cherish this collection of short, sweet and heart melting stories from the Goa I never knew.
A journey into unseen Goa.
The collection of Goan stories features translated stories from Konkani, Portuguese and Marathi. I am surprised to see that there is a lot of literature written in Portuguese about the Goan culture.
The second story An Heir Apparent by Augusto do Rosario Rodrigues is a cozy tale of two old friends - one a Man of Science and other a Man of God and their drinking together. The twist in the tale is excellent. The two emotional stories from the rural Goa are The Yoke by Mahabaleshwar Sail and Coinsanv's Cattle by Damodar Mauzo are written beautifully.
And then there are gut-wrenching tales of nostalgia, loss, love and dreams. Some of my favorites are - Mr. Secondhand by Manohar Shetty, Sunanda's Dream by Sheela Jaywant, On Sernabatim Beach by Jessica Faleiro and Coconut Dreams by Derek Fernandes.
A special shout-out to the frustrating tales - The Protector by Nayana Adarkar and A Tale of Toilet by Ramnath Gajanan Gawde which talk about patriarchy, bureaucracy and caste discrimination.
I am looking forward to reading more literature from the featured authors and I will cherish this collection of short, sweet and heart melting stories from the Goa I never knew.
December 27, 2022
“Notoriety wasn't as good as fame, but was heaps better than obscurity”.
Goa as a place is something that is capable of giving us biases as to the way things are and the way they have been captured by a human mind, however uncovering the obscure side of the place, the book at hand brings forth many stories which are contrary to our opinions and this happens throughout the 27 chapters of the book. Further, the overall length of the book is 320 pages with the introduction of the book setting the book’s tone as it reflects upon the truer essence of Goa along with the contributions made by English authors along with the troubling past of Konkani. Each of the chapter can be seen as a contribution as well as a guiding light for seeing the present and the past of Goa and how it all intertwines beautifully and this happens throughout the book.
The writing style of the book has been kept simple, easy to understand and matches the context in which the stories are getting conveyed. Thus, in the light of the above stated factors this book is a must read for anyone willing to go for a good and enjoyable read or for anyone willing to be closer to the trueness of Goa.
Goa as a place is something that is capable of giving us biases as to the way things are and the way they have been captured by a human mind, however uncovering the obscure side of the place, the book at hand brings forth many stories which are contrary to our opinions and this happens throughout the 27 chapters of the book. Further, the overall length of the book is 320 pages with the introduction of the book setting the book’s tone as it reflects upon the truer essence of Goa along with the contributions made by English authors along with the troubling past of Konkani. Each of the chapter can be seen as a contribution as well as a guiding light for seeing the present and the past of Goa and how it all intertwines beautifully and this happens throughout the book.
The writing style of the book has been kept simple, easy to understand and matches the context in which the stories are getting conveyed. Thus, in the light of the above stated factors this book is a must read for anyone willing to go for a good and enjoyable read or for anyone willing to be closer to the trueness of Goa.
December 28, 2022
Goa is a dream destination for most youngsters who have been exposed to such media where it is shown as a place just about beaches, booze and partying. But stories help us to navigate through these limited narratives and look into the real lives of the people. The Greatest Goan Stories Ever Told is one such a collection of stories translated from different languages like Marathi, Konkani and Portugese. These are stories of desperation, loss, discrimination and much more. Selected and edited by Manohar Shetty, these stories cover the diverse situations and lived realities of Goans, and give us a different worldview than what is generally presented in the mainstream. Like all the books in “The Greatest Stories Ever Told” series, this one too shouldn’t be missed. Loved it thoroughly.
September 29, 2025
When we think of Goa, we usually think of beaches, parties, and holidays. But this book shows a very different side.
The Greatest Goan Stories Ever Told is a collection of short stories that talk about real life in Goa. The stories are about family, struggles, love, and culture.
Some are emotional, some are funny, and some make you stop and think. Each story has a unique voice and gives you a glimpse into the everyday life of Goan people.
A few felt a little slow, but they stayed with me even after I finished. This book is not just about a place, it is about people and their lives. A great read if you want to know the real Goa.
The Greatest Goan Stories Ever Told is a collection of short stories that talk about real life in Goa. The stories are about family, struggles, love, and culture.
Some are emotional, some are funny, and some make you stop and think. Each story has a unique voice and gives you a glimpse into the everyday life of Goan people.
A few felt a little slow, but they stayed with me even after I finished. This book is not just about a place, it is about people and their lives. A great read if you want to know the real Goa.
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January 11, 2023From the ‘The Greatest Stories Series’, this particular book had all my heart. The sublime genuity in the narrative that has been translated from Marathi, Portuguese and Konkani forces one to bridge the wide chasm that exists between present-day Goa and its colonial history. These stories reek of humanism and the characters soar beyond the unseen divides like caste, gender, inequality and wealth.
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
October 23, 2023
A very different look at Goa and its people. The tale of humans who live at a distance from the glitz and touristy part of Beaches and dives into the heart of Goa, where centuries of history reside.
December 23, 2023
Very different from the Party & Beachy Goa that we all know
January 13, 2023
It was an interesting read, and there is probably something for everyone here. I don’t think these are the best Goan stories ever told. Having said that, I really enjoyed the diverse nature of the stories, and was especially impressed by the writing of Selma Carvalho, Steve Pereira, Jessica Faleiro, Augusto Rodrigues, Sheela Jaywant, Jose Lourenco and Gajanan Jog.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews