Dr. Valerie Pereira is a Panjim-based dentist who has recently released a book called ‘Songs To Her Lover.’ The book is her first published work of writing. It is an anthology of poems that she had penned during the first phase of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a brief chat with ItsGoa, Valerie shared insights into her life, her career, her book, and lots more…
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Goa. My parents were both doctors who lived and practiced in Oman.
Living in a little village – an oasis in the desert almost, amidst scorching heat, small streams of water called falajs, decaying eerie forts, and lush green foliage. I studied in Oman till the eighth standard and then moved to Goa to complete my schooling.
After completing my higher secondary education at Dhempe Higher Secondary School, Miramar, I went to Mangalore to study Dentistry. After completing my BDS degree, I practiced as a dentist for some time in Bangalore and Mumbai and then proceeded to pursue my Post-Graduation in Periodontics.
What were your hobbies when you were a child?
As a child, I always had my nose buried deep into a book. I used to spend my evenings taking long walks amidst fields or forests in the company of Enid Blyton, Grimm and Anderson, Louisa M. Alcott, Charles Dickens, Roald Dahl, Jane Austen, and Shakespeare, among others. I also enjoyed swimming.
When I came to Goa, I used to spend hours at bookstores like the Broadway Bookstore in St. Inez and ‘The Reading Habit’ in Miramar. Reading remains my biggest source of joy till today.
What was your childhood ambition?
I used to visit Goa during my summer vacations. So, when I was about six, I desperately wanted to become a fisherwoman! I guess it was all due to the love I had for fish.
However, as I grew up, I was influenced by my parents and wanted to become either a doctor or a veterinary surgeon.
Take us through the journey of your professional career after you completed your higher studies.
After finishing my post-graduation in Periodontology, I worked in Bhopal as a lecturer at a dental college. I simply love teaching; it’s a part of who I am. I love the exchange of ideas that takes place inside a classroom – the discussions, research, and guiding students about the latest techniques in dentistry and periodontology.
I also practiced as a dentist in Bangalore and Mumbai for a while before returning to Goa where I’m currently down now on a break. I miss my students and colleagues a lot, especially the ones from Bhopal where I taught the longest.
When did your interest in writing begin?
I’ve been writing poems and short stories since my childhood, although I never had them published. They were poems and tales about fairies and elves with magic and witches brewing potions. And later about life and love.
Give us a brief overview of your book ‘Songs To Her Lover’.
‘Songs to Her Lover’ is an anthology of poems from a woman’s point of view. It tells the intimate story of two people who start communicating with each other without meeting in person and finally fall in love. I have explored themes of longing and desire through the poems.
Is this book your first attempt at writing or have you written books before?
I have been scribbling away since my childhood but never published any of my written work before. ‘Songs to Her Lover’ is my first published work of writing.
Was there any incident/s which took place in your life which inspired you to write this anthology of poems?
These poems were written as part of a 21-day challenge, where one poem had to be written and submitted each day. Sitting at cafes, I already had penned down a couple of poems and wanted to integrate those with the challenge. So, I fused them together as a story.
I suppose it was the situation during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic that inspired the story of my book – the time when people couldn’t meet due to restrictions and talking over the phone or texting had become the new normal.
Where can one buy a physical copy/ digital copy of your book?
My book is available for purchase on Flipkart, Amazon, and BookLeaf Publishing.
Finally, any message or words of advice that you would like to share with our readers, especially the youth?
I’d advise the youth of today to be more soft and gentle. In a world that is so harsh and grim, we need more people who feel, who are authentic, and who care. And of course, be persistent – it’s the soft stream that cuts through the hard rocks through sheer effort.
