Canada is home of a growing number of Goans. This anthology captures their stories, fiction and non-fiction, and reminiscences. First published in Canada, Goa Masala is an initiative of the 55 Plus Goan Association, Mississauga.
The anthology has been reprinted, and a limited number of copies are now again available in Canada.
The Goan imagination crosses many international boundaries; migration has been a strong reality. Now, books reflecting this diverse reality are making their way back to Goa, and increasingly connecting the the far-flung diaspora from this region too. Canada-based writer, and anthology editor Ben Antao, a former Navhind Times and Indian Express journalist who worked in Goa in the 1960s, said the limited first edition of 300 copies were sold out on the release day itself!
Goa Masala contains about 40 stories, most of them written by Goans who have settled in Canada after spending years in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania in East Africa, in Rangoon, Myanmar, and elsewhere. Their memoirs range from an elephant hunt in Tanzania to the removal of evil eye (disht), to arranged marriages and snakes. The project was undertaken by Rudi Rodrigues, leader of 55PGA’s Book Club, an artist and art designer, who was assisted by an enthusiastic team of Ben Antao, Alick Alphonso, Joan do Rosario, Eric De Souza, and Al Lobo.
In one story, Canada-based contributor Xavier Sequeira transports you to another era and quite another world, in the southern highlands of central East Africa, and hunting elephants there.
Other essays and short-stories include ones with titles like: Baba puta, The Landlord’s Son, Neighbours’ Quarrels, The Arranged Marriage, Golden Memories: Kenya, Finding a Bride, Elephant Hunt in Tanzania…
Keep your eyes open, an additional set of stories, Volume II, is set to arrive soon. They are a Canada150 initiative. News about the progress of this new project soon.
Goa Masala. An anthology of stories by Canadian Goans
Editor: Ben Antao
Genre: Short Stories
Trade Paperback. Reprinted in Goa
250 pages
ISBN: 978-93-80739-04-5
Limited copies available in Canada.
CONTACT: Goa Culture List using the Product Information Request Form.