On one side there’s visiting some region and then on the other there’s reading about it. But doing both? Now that’s something that can simply breathe new life into your next trip; in an experience the place it honestly makes you to begin questioning carefully about the region you’re visiting. Books on Goa is no different. Unfortunately, most vacationers have a tendency to omit the reading part.
That and there’s additionally the persistent scarcity of books on Goa. If you’re searching ahead to some top books on Goa, then you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s our handpicked top books about Goa for the bookworm in you…
Goa Gold Goa Silver by Prajal Sakardande
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Dr Prajal Sakardande is a known professor of Goa history. He has authored this authoritative book on Goan history after 20 years of research.
It covers Goan records proper from pre-historic instances to current times. A complete book, full of historic facts, most of which are lesser-known as the nearer records of the Portuguese era tends to dominate the famous discourse.
Highly recommended for everybody with an eager interest in Goan history – Ancient, Medieval, and Modern.
Goa – A daughter’s Story by Maria Aurora Couto
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Maria Aurora Couto belongs to the elite class in Goa, often referred to as royalty in Goa.
She was born to Goan parents, although she studied in Karnataka, lived in Bihar earlier than returning to Goa as an IAS officer’s spouse who was once posted right here post Goa’s liberation and merger with India. She tells her story as Goa’s daughter.
It is an elite Christian’s view of Goa and Goa’s past. Biases are sure to be there. But, nonetheless, readable.
Teresa’s Man & other Stories from Goa by Damodar Mauzo
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Damodar Mauzo is one of the most popular authors from Goa, a Sahitya Academy Award Winner. He writes short stories and novels in Konkani, and most of his works are translated into English. His stories carry the essence of Goa, especially life in its villages.
This short story collection takes you through various human emotions and the dilemmas we face on an everyday basis. It brings out the faces behind the masks we all wear. Simple, heartfelt stories rooted in Goa.
The Sea of Innocence by Kishwar Desai
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Drugs, Prostitution, Gambling are the underbelly of the Goan tourism economy. As much as the locals would like to deny them or denounce them, it exists.
Kishwar Desai in a beautifully crafted story takes you through the web of financial investors, local mafia, and politicians who are also a part of the beaches of Goa. The story may leave a distaste for Goa but it is a page-turner, an absolute thriller.
Poskem by Wendell Rodricks
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You have probably never heard this word – Poskem. I had no idea what it is until I picked up this book to read.
These are abandoned children that grew up in posh Goan villas and their strange relationships with the families they grow up with. Inspired by real-life stories, this book reveals a side of Goa that most people do not know. It is a very small book that also comes with a lot of Goan recipes. Another reason to pick it up and read.
Inside/Out: New Writing From Goa – An Anthology
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This is a platter of writing on Goa – fiction and non-fiction published by Goa-based publishers. It has stories from Goans, part-time Goans, new residents, and those who migrated out.
This is like a potpourri, and you never know what the next story is all about. Some stories are too much rooted in Goa while others take you back in time and some give you an outsider’s perspective. An interesting Mélange to explore.
The Hippie Trail – A History By Sharif Gemie & Brian Ireland
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Goa is where the famous Hippie trail of the 1960s and 1970s terminated. This is where a lot of Hippies found a home they did not want to leave. They talk about Anjuna as the world’s largest nudist colony while describing their days living here.
A small Hippie community continues to live in those villages in Goa. Tourism in Goa has its roots in the Hippie culture, an image that Goa continues to carry. This fascinating journey connects Goa to the rest of the places on the Hippie trail.
