Eco-fiction from Goa launched by Niyogi books

Niyogi Books has published its new title The Bitter- Fruit Tree and Other Stories, originally written in Konkani by Prakash Parienkar and translated by Vidya Pai. This book is a moving collection of thirteen tales from Sattari, a village in Goa, capturing the deep bond between villagers and their land, amid natural beauty, social struggles, and the enduring rhythms of tradition, resilience, and quiet rebellion

The book was launched at The Dogears Bookstore, Goa in the presence of the author Dr. Prakash S. Parienkar and Dr. Glenis Mendonca is Associate Professor and Head of the English Department at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Goa

Author Prakash Parienkar says, “Most stories dwell on the lives of the despised subalterns of Goa and offer possibilities for research in Subaltern and Translation Studies too. These tales dabble with diverse themes and familiar landscapes. They narrate people’s predicaments and communitarian woes. The language is rich, rustic and celebrates nature and its communion with the rural folk.”

While, translator of the book Vidya Pai mentions, “Prakash Parienkar’s stories represent life on the banks of the Mhadei, as the river Mandovi is known in Sattari, a forested region in the foot-hills of the Sahyadri range in north east Goa. It was a challenge translating these Konkani tales that are steeped in the religious, cultural, agrarian and folk tradition of this secluded region, quite distinct from the clichéd image of fun, frolic and feni, commonly associated with Goa. Introducing this little-known writer to a wider readership through this translation into English has been a very satisfying experience, indeed.’

Commenting on the publication of the book, COO of Niyogi Books, Trisha Niyogi, says, “These thirteen Konkani short stories translated into English by Vidya Pai shall bring a secluded Goan region to a wider readership, providing us a glimpse of its unique folk traditions and religious and cultural practices.”