Novel, two books on Goan literature to be launched on Jan 30

Panji, Jan 25 : About a century after Goans started producing their literature in English, how vibrant and relevant is this field today? This issue will come up for debate at the Clube Vasco da Gama this weekend, at a function to coincide with the release of a new novel on Goa, and two other books dealing with Goan writing in English.

''The Sting of Peppercorns'' by prominent US-based cardiologist Antonio Gomes of Loutolim will be released on January 30 along with two other books on Goan writers and writing.

All three have been co-published by Broadway Book Centre and Goa, 1556 -- Peter Nazareth's anthology ''Modern Goan Literature'' and Donna J Young's focus on recent Goan writing, ''Mirror to Goa.'' The launch of the books will be preceded by a discussion on "Goan Writing In English: How Vibrant, How Relevant?" Participants will include prominent writer Maria Aurora Couto (author of 'Goa, A Daughter's Story'); Damodar Mauzo (noted Konkani novelist and short-story writer); Margaret Mascarenhas, author of the widely-noticed 'Skin' and 'The Disappearance of Irene Dos Santos'); Norma Alvares (attorney, publisher and activist, Other India Bookstore, Goa); and Vidyadhar Gadgil (journalist, translator and book editor).

The discussion will be chaired by novelist, journalist and editor Victor Rangel-Ribeiro, known for his work including the novel ''Tivolem'' and short story collection ''Loving Ayesha.'' Tony Gomes' novel is set around events in Goa in 1961. In the village of Loutolim, Dona Isabella prepares for the unexpected return of her eldest and favourite son Paulo, studying law in Coimbra.

The lives of Paulo, his love-smitten brother Roberto, and their rich and traditional family take a tragic turn when the integration of Goa into India disrupts the socio-economic foundation of their family life. The story of love and betrayal is played out on two continents.

Rangel-Ribeiro has termed the novel ''a major contribution to the fictional literature on Goa.'' American poet, critic and academic Grace Schulman called it ''a dazzling first novel by a master storyteller'' adding, ''This book is original, compelling, and magical, it will draw you in from the opening words.''

--UNI