Becoming Goan: A Contemporary Coming-Home Story: By Michelle Mendonca Bambawale
What is your first thought when you think of GOA? The answer is obvious: beaches, parties, alcohol, bohemian lifestyle, and perhaps more parties. It has been true for me as well. I am not a huge beach person, so Goa is not my favorite place on earth. However, it changed during my recent Goa visit with my husband and daughter; I looked at Goa differently. And it might be an understatement to say that I fell in love with the Goa I experienced this time.
It is difficult to describe what was different on this trip, but one of the best things was that I picked up Michelle Mendoca Bambawale’s book ‘Becoming Goan.’ Michelle, the author, moved to the 160-year-old house she inherited in Siolim, a village in North Goa, with her dogs. Born and raised in Pune, her ancestral roots lay in Goa, both from her paternal and maternal sides. After her professional stint in Dubai, Mumbai, Thailand, and the UK before finally deciding to move to Goa permanently during the Covid-19.
Dreamily, she inherited her grandparents’ house in Goa, starting the story of Michelle finding herself, her Goan roots, and her complex relationship with her Goan Catholic heritage. The book explores themes of identity, culture, migration, stereotypes, and labels associated with Goa.
The house, christened ‘Casa Mendonca,’ would now be the family’s permanent home in Siolim, Goa. The book starts with introductions, followed by a brief family history. Then, it paves the way to explore what it means to be a Goan beyond the romantic notions of living in ‘an old Portuguese house in Goa.’
Michelle beautifully takes the reader to a Goa of the 1970s and 1980s, continuously contrasting the past with the contemporary challenges of the present. It is not a regular memoir but an artistic representation of the place, clearing the associated myths and adding a lot of information to help anyone who plans to own a property there.
Michelle allows readers into her world filled with Goa trivia, funny stories, and thoughtful recommendations. Chapters discuss what is special about Goa and Goans, Portuguese property law, how Assagao became Gurgaon (my favorite chapter; I am from the north of India), Managing a house in Goa, Evangelizing Feni, and being a Gin Influencer (another favorite; no prize was guessing; Gin is love).
She also introduces the readers to new vocabulary that enriches their understanding of Goan culture. Terms like “poi,” “susegad,” “saudade,” and “falea” become integral parts of the reader’s lexicon, adding depth to their appreciation of Goan life. Using colloquial expressions like “Aiz maka, falea tuka” adds an authentic touch to the narrative, eliciting laughter and creating a memorable reading experience.
Michelle does not shy away from expressing her dismay about the increased commercialization of Goa and its environmental and cultural impact. The book is like a wake-up call for everyone to take action before we destroy the rich heritage and culture of a beautiful place.
Becoming Goan’ is a lyrical testimony to Michelle’s love affair with the ancestral soil, a heartfelt narrative that transcends time and space. In the shadows of her grandparents’ legacy, the memoir becomes a delicate dance with Mother Earth, a passionate plea for preserving Goa’s biodiversity amid the looming specter of environmental degradation fueled by tourism, construction, and mining.
Becoming Goan is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring Goa’s vibrant culture and identity. Bambawale’s masterful storytelling, humor, and insight make this book a delightful and enriching read from start to finish.