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). *************************** 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. ****************************** 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.