Damodar Mauzo
Translated by Xavier Cota (from Konkani)
2014
200 pages, short story, drama
Found: Rupa Publications bookstore, College Street, Kolkata
Found: Rupa Publications bookstore, College Street, Kolkata
This collection of ironic short stories covers a wide variety of social and familial issues. Throughout, there is a feeling of frustration: at the oppression of women, at politics, at self-serving protestors, at communalism. While I didn’t enjoy every story (especially "Teresa's Man"), I did appreciate the social messages that the author wanted to communicate. I can see why he is considered to be one of the best authors in Konkani.
“From the Mouths of Babes”
Mithila lives in Saudi Arabia, where her husband is working for an international company. She struggles with the lack of intimacy forced upon her by the government and the religious police, especially because she has to wear a burka and is not allowed to show any affection for her husband in public.
“In the Land of Humans”
Halsid’du is driving a line of cattle to Goa to be sold to the butcher when something happens that makes him unable to complete the journey as planned.
“Misconceptions”
Sulbha is plagued by her lack of children and by a house full of rats that eat her best saris. She and her husband go to the temple to get god’s blessing for fertility.
“The Cynic”
Baboy is a confirmed cynic of medicine, doctors, and soap. But what happens when his little grandson becomes ill?
“She’s Dead!”
Two rival politicians from Goa arrive in Delhi and plan to have a night on the town, as friends. Then one of them receives a call saying that the other’s wife has died, and he must break it to him gently.
