Some feedbacks from readers on the novel, "The Sixth Night"
Heres the feedback from readers of the novel, "The Sixth Night" from the
Toronto area.
One Canadian reader said she was amazed how the author thought about the
name Lusindia of one of the characters in the novel. That was smart and
original, she pointed out and wouldnt rule out the possibility that some
Goans might name their new-born "Lusindia", a name non-existent so far. By the
way "Lusindia" is the combination of Lusitania (old name for Portugal) +
India], an apt name for the name of the child born out of wedlock between an
Indian woman and a Portuguese man. The same reader couldnt believe the
adoptive parents of Lusindia, who lived in Belgaum at the time would give in
so easily and give her up to Carlos, the natural father from Portugal. Also
she was thinking the main character Linda would die accidentally in the life
of the novel to maybe fulfill the destiny (The Sixth Night) included in her
book of life, which of course was not disclosed in the book, but then she said
that wouldnt be a happy ending after all that hard struggle and so she was
happy with the current ending.
Another reader thought this was a real story and asked 'Where does Linda live
in Toronto, right now'? She also said that another main character Heidi
deserved an accidental death on the Autobahn for her evil deeds.
Another Canadian reader said she could follow the entire novel even with those
Konkani words, whose meanings were well connected to the story and explained
implicitly. She said she felt comfortable reading the Catholic way of life in
Goa as she herself was Catholic. But she laughed that the first part of the
book delved a lot into the food culture of Goa. She said it was all about
food, food and food and celebrations and said that Goans were a very happy-go-
lucky kind of people!
Another Canadian reader said it was a very interesting book giving lessons in
history and geography and that by now she knows a lot about Goa and life in
general there and that she would like to visit it soon.
And heres one more feedback I saw it on goacom BBS website under
Entertainment Section that says it all (by Sebastian).
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Posted by Sebastian on goacom BBS : Thu Dec 22, 2005 9:26 am
Post subject: The Sixth Night by Silviano Barbosa
A must read romantic historical fiction for all interested in Goan Catholic
culture. This joyous epic follows four generations of the Cardoso family of
South Goa around the globe and throughout war, lost love, tragedy and all the
important events of life.
The narrative is visually descriptive and goes beyond the visual imagery of
Toronto, London and Bombay and Goa. The lavish descriptions of the smells and
foods give you a real experience of being there. The backdrops of the
remarkable churches, beaches and pre-eminent schools of Goa fill your mind
with images as you read a remarkable story of generations of love and live.
You understand the parents of the main character Linda, you feel real empathy
for their hard work and losses because of the day to day details of such an
exotic life described by the author. The surprising villain has an astonishing
life too. An odd sort of war breaks out that the people of Goa did not want or
benefit from or even where involved in other that the fact that the war was
over Goa.
The disruption and timing of the war could not have been worse for the books
heroine. The good and bad of Goan culture affect this girl throughout her
formative years. She is shunned because of her ethnic caste but she excels in
school and is a good person. Linda makes here way with some luck and much hard
work to become a success.
At the end of the book you feel really positive and happy for the main
character who losses her father and one great love only to make her life
brilliant enough in the end to merit a documentary about her story. The
historical events are so accurate and well described that you have to think
that this is not a story of fiction but the real life story of an actual
person. However some of the small coincidences are astonishing but not at all
unbelievable like many of the things that have happened to many of us. The
series of small coincidences make for a wonderful story that leave you wanting
more.
What will happen to the main character and child next in a new land? Whats
happening to the small village overcome with tourism and oil money from
countries across the oceans? This could be the beginning of a wonderful series
of books that detail previously unknown stories that deserve to be told. Thank
you Silvia Barbosa, you are a talented writer who is able to tie in so many
world events and show the effect on the little people.
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Thats all for now.
May more Goans read the novel The Sixth Night and enjoy it and learn more
about our old Goa.
Joe Lobo,
Feb 25, 2006
Toronto
Canadas Little Goa.
