------------------------------------------------------- CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at: http://www.casadegoa.org -------------------------------------------------------
DOMNIC'S GOA BY DOMNIC FERNANDES Edited by Frederick Noronha Published by Abbe Faria Productions Available at Broadway Bookstore, Panjim Soft cover: 247 pages RS350 ISBN 978-81-904640-0-0 A Review by Helene Derkin Menezes in Goa Today (June 2007) On Friday 27th April 2007, innovative Goan publishing house Abbe Faria Productions launched in style with its first event; the publication of a book entitled 'Domnic's Goa' written by Domnic Fernandes and edited by the infamous Fredrick Noronha. Abbe Faria Productions is another bow on the tail of the humour columnist and entrepreneur Cecil Pinto. The venture came into being when Cecil realised there was not only great scope for Goa related material but numerable writers coming up with quality material and not knowing how to go about getting their work published. He hopes to diversify Abbe Faria Productions into other areas of media such as theatre, film and art - all with that imperative ingredient: 'Goa' as a predominant and essential theme. Abbe Faria Productions debuts with this book as it is particularly close to Cecil's heart; he is a true patron of all things Goan and is least shy in coming forward to say so. Fernandes' began writing on the net in 2003 Cecil was hooked by his ability of 'total recall and knowledge of Konkani' he has been a close follower of his work ever since he first read a posting of Domnics on GoaNet. They made contact and corresponded with each other via email. Cecil was not the only one who enjoyed Domnics reminisce of Goa in the 50s and 60s. The cyber following grew to such an extent there was pressure on Domnic to put his 'pen sketches' together and produce a book, he turned to Cecil for advice and today we see the result. The conventional B&W cover photography is by Jude D'Silva and Assavari Kulkarni. There are thirty-one chapters in the book covering sundry topics such as 'Fruits of the summer" to 'From dust to dust. Goan Funerals'. The line drawings within, personify the text and harmonise the chapters with wit and easy precision are by Calangutes' very own Domnic Cordo. 'Domnic's Goa' sub-heading 'a nostalgic romp through a bygone era' - is perhaps an understatement and may lead you to believe that the contents within are merely a whimsical jaunt down memory lane. How very wrong. From the moment you get past the long list of credits and contact information along with the forward by the erstwhile Placido P D'Souza, you are transported, literally into the Goan village and Goan way of life of yesteryear. Fernandes easily encapsulates you - you can almost taste the askrut and smell the petromax being lit. This is not done by merit of a flowery pen he somehow manages to describe scenes that transport you and your senses to be part of the vista of Goa. The pages of the book take you through the Goa of late last century with amazing clarity and close attention to detail. Considering that, many of Fernandes memories are forty years old, or so, you will be in awe of what must be a photographic recollection. The scenes maybe seen through the eyes of, at times, a very young Fernandes nevertheless the writing style is uncomplicated and mature. The use of Konkani within the thirty-one chapters of the book is a well-needed injection of further education of the language. Konkani terms and sayings throughout the book are prevalent without daunting the non-Konkani reader. Konkani is in roman script with a concise translation into English following enclosed in brackets. His recall ability is astounding to have paid such attention to the details of his surroundings, as a youngster is truly remarkable. Your minds eye springs to life as Fernandes brings to life Anjuna and the way of life in Goa with ease. You will be enchanted on the merits of a xenn floor and how to remove a splinter with a needle! There are recipes on how to make your own liquor and the best way to preserve and eat seeds for the monsoon months! You will be educated on the history, uses, varieties and even games of the cashew fruit. Special attention is given on the best way to drink urak and of course, a book on Goa would be incomplete without touching upon fenni, Fernandes educates us on its medicinal value as well as its thirst-quenching properties. The chapter on radio transmission reads a little like a programme schedule as he goes as far to tell us at what time and on what day of the week every programme was aired. Try not to be put off by this as the lists of songs and artists will warm many music lovers soul. We are enlightened on a who's who in typical Goan families and charmed by encounters of defending not too distant relations. We are introduced to the Goan kitchen of days gone by with exhaustive list of utensils and there uses, all with the proper Konkani names of course! The sea, church, transport, monsoons, Gulfees, wells, guavas, gold, pork, tiatro - there is more of course - lots, enough the publisher claims for a trilogy! Domnic's Goa has a place in local if not world history; it is a significant documentary piece of evidence of the recent past, a joy and an education to read. It can be slightly encyclopaedic in places but this does not deter from the unique usefulness and enjoyment of the book. At the release of the book, Fernandes implored - 'do not forget the past or even dwell on it, just remember it and learn from it'. At the end of the book He warns his readers to keep Konkani alive, to speak the mother tongue, for this is what sets Goans apart from the rest of the world. Perhaps this book should be translated into Konkani for those who truly believe that. The book, with its ominous cover retails at RS350 and is available at Broadway Bookstore, Panjim - they are also the main distributors of the book. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The above review appeared in the June 2007 edition of Goa Today, Goa. ------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------
