I've been browsing through Sinful in Goa: Paradise in Peril by Tony Martin alias Anthony M. Barreto's latest book.
I thought it was very honest and I would very wholeheartedly recommend that you read it. Let me be frank: at first sight it might offend against minany norms of good non-fiction writing - bad editing; non-existent documentation; opinions that are very strong as against weak factual support. But that last offense - Tony Martins' strong opinions - is what makes *Sinful in Goa: Paradise in Peril an excellent read.* It is the kind of book where those who do not have the patience to go through innumerable footnotes and bibliographies. and whatnot but who straight away want to get to the heart of the matter will appreciate. Although Tony Martins' opinions are strong and documentation is weak, I feel that there is very good intuition that backs whatever he says. I tried to critisize his views mentally, and found that by and large I felt Tony was tellling the truth. And if anyone feels the opposite, s/he is welcome to criticise him. Otherwise come to International Center Dona Paula for the Goa Arts and Literary Festival on 6 December at 3 pm where I will be attempting to tear apart Tony Martin's *Sinful in Goa: Paradise in Peril *although I guess he will have sufficient arguments to defend himself. Having said all this, I have some advice for Tony Martin: 1) Send some excerpts from your book online and if possible to the newspapers before the launch on 6 December. 2) Take your book with you to the St F. X . feast in Old Goa from tomorrow onwards and hawk them there shamelessly (Higher Secondary Professors do not do such things but I say, Butter them.) I would not be shocked if all the copies of the book you printed will be sold off in a day or two. Best Augusto
