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Poskem : Goans in the Shadows
About the Author Wendell Rodricks has put the tiny Indian state of Goa firmly on the fashion map. Establishing his own label in 1990, he moved to his ancestral village in Goa in 1993, creating memorable collections each season, inspired by many Tibetan monasteries, tribal symbols of Shiva and Vishnu, the Harem at Istanbul, tattoos of the Lambadi tribe, among others. Wendell Rodricks has authored two books, Moda G
- GenresFiction
187 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 3, 2018
The metaphors don't make sense. Lots of cliched writing. A great pity because the theme excited me.
November 27, 2019
Goans in the Shadows.
Poskem is a novel by Wendell Rodricks that delves into the lives of the Poskem people (adopted chidlren in Goa) of Goa. Through this book he narrates the story of 4 poskem goans who's lives unknowingly have a lot more than meets the eye.
It's always exciting to read a Goan book, as it is fascinating to read about Goan's and Goan culture. Wendell Rodricks has taken a lot of efforts to shed light on the dying genration of the poskem in Goa that many people aren't even aware of. The story was poignant, but overly eroticised. The writing style was simple, and the story had many sections which were weird and confusing. One of the best parts of this book were the mouthwatering Goan recipes and delicacies mentioned in this book. A book with a great and interesting concept, going across generations, cities and cultures across the world. An intriguing read.
Poskem is a novel by Wendell Rodricks that delves into the lives of the Poskem people (adopted chidlren in Goa) of Goa. Through this book he narrates the story of 4 poskem goans who's lives unknowingly have a lot more than meets the eye.
It's always exciting to read a Goan book, as it is fascinating to read about Goan's and Goan culture. Wendell Rodricks has taken a lot of efforts to shed light on the dying genration of the poskem in Goa that many people aren't even aware of. The story was poignant, but overly eroticised. The writing style was simple, and the story had many sections which were weird and confusing. One of the best parts of this book were the mouthwatering Goan recipes and delicacies mentioned in this book. A book with a great and interesting concept, going across generations, cities and cultures across the world. An intriguing read.
April 21, 2024
A short book full of tragedy and magic, diving deep behind the facade of what Goa is perceived to be, and tells the stories of a fractured people with crisis of identity and place.
March 9, 2025
If not for the plot , then it were those wonderful Goan recipes that kept me hooked.
December 30, 2021
We have known Wendell Rodricks (1960-2020) as a fashion designer based out of Goa but never known about his extraordinary skill as a writer. His POSKEM – GOANS IN THE SHADOWS is a remarkable account of those unfortunate kids who were given up for adoption by their helpless parents to wealthy families where they grew up along with other children but were always discriminated against and relegated to menial jobs in the household. This has been a long-standing practice in Goa, kept under wraps but known amongst locals who treated such people – the Poskim with derision.
Rodricks delves into the history of the last generation of Poskim, picks up four characters who made a difference and weaves a fascinating kaleidoscopic narrative that spans across continents. Set against a period when Goa transitioned from its Portuguese legacy till the 80s, the book bristles with sensory delights that bring alive the local colour of each region it visits. For the gourmet it would hold special interest; there is an entire list of recipes in every chapter which is weaved into the plotline. The icing on the cake are the illustrations by Mario Miranda. At 188 pages with large fonts, it is a quick and engrossing read.
Rodricks delves into the history of the last generation of Poskim, picks up four characters who made a difference and weaves a fascinating kaleidoscopic narrative that spans across continents. Set against a period when Goa transitioned from its Portuguese legacy till the 80s, the book bristles with sensory delights that bring alive the local colour of each region it visits. For the gourmet it would hold special interest; there is an entire list of recipes in every chapter which is weaved into the plotline. The icing on the cake are the illustrations by Mario Miranda. At 188 pages with large fonts, it is a quick and engrossing read.
November 4, 2019
I loved the book! It is a beautiful quick read telling the stories of four Poskim. A poskem was a child that due to being born out of wedlock or other circumstances was adopted by a richer family. Some of them lived a good life, many of them, however, were treated like servants, not being allowed a formal education or to make any decisions about their own life or body. The story spins together not only the four narratives but also the gorgeous artwork by Goa's Mario Miranda as well as a range of delicious recipes. Well worth the read for a glimpse into India's (and specifically Goa's) history.
July 21, 2017
Well he is a fashion designer and not an author a fact that is pretty evident from the writing in this book. Im sure threads over pens is the way to go for wendell. So Poskem is not about the Poskem in general but rather just 4. He kind of illustrated the lives of Poskem through the 4 protagonist but the writing and the story were just not tight enough, rather all over and so not connected in anyway whatsoever. Anyway a quick and easy read...
April 24, 2023
I don't think I liked how it all began, with all the characters fuzzed in my head, trying to grasp their names and what was happening. But, as I closed the book, I could not only remember the names of all the characters but, but also remember the different courses destiny had taken in each of their lives.
Ignorance is indeed bliss, given the hard truth that Poskem reveals about the Goans.
Every instance of violence in history, always makes me wonder how one human could do something so terrible to another, based on just a perceived idea of superiority!
I felt the same as I read this book. But I incessantly turned pages, probably because where do you come across a story that has encompassed all the generes and has the right amount of humor, darkness, magic-realism, hope, love, and thrill!
You want to know if the characters you cheered have found justice and if hell hath its fury, why are the evil ones still not burning in it!!
It doesn't matter if historical fiction doesn't fascinate you. Read it, just to witness how unique storytelling could be.
Ignorance is indeed bliss, given the hard truth that Poskem reveals about the Goans.
Every instance of violence in history, always makes me wonder how one human could do something so terrible to another, based on just a perceived idea of superiority!
I felt the same as I read this book. But I incessantly turned pages, probably because where do you come across a story that has encompassed all the generes and has the right amount of humor, darkness, magic-realism, hope, love, and thrill!
You want to know if the characters you cheered have found justice and if hell hath its fury, why are the evil ones still not burning in it!!
It doesn't matter if historical fiction doesn't fascinate you. Read it, just to witness how unique storytelling could be.
May 23, 2019
"Iluminating Goan's from their shadows. Discoveries of Peace, Love, Motherhood, Betrayal, Sharing & of five Super-humans!"! .
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REVIEW(ू•ᴗ•ू❁)
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Wendell the magician has showered the magic of thrill, in heart ,with pure work of gratitude to the people of Goa. " The Poskem" Series of stories which makes you stop & rewind to past. The bitterness of Alda to sweetness of Nascimento, charming Laina and Daredevil, Sita has outcasted all living souls. Also Mario Miranda -Naked eye to experience detailed past
.
REVIEW(ू•ᴗ•ू❁)
.
Wendell the magician has showered the magic of thrill, in heart ,with pure work of gratitude to the people of Goa. " The Poskem" Series of stories which makes you stop & rewind to past. The bitterness of Alda to sweetness of Nascimento, charming Laina and Daredevil, Sita has outcasted all living souls. Also Mario Miranda -Naked eye to experience detailed past
July 27, 2017
First up - it's fiction. Not sure why I thought it'd be non-fiction, but there you have it.
Secondly, it reads more like a short story (I read the book in one go in little over an hour). Also possibly because I omitted all the recipes-parts of the book.
Overall, it's a nice little story. Didn't love the tons of recipes scattered throughout the book as I'm not into cooking, but possibly someone who loves to cook might enjoy it better!
Secondly, it reads more like a short story (I read the book in one go in little over an hour). Also possibly because I omitted all the recipes-parts of the book.
Overall, it's a nice little story. Didn't love the tons of recipes scattered throughout the book as I'm not into cooking, but possibly someone who loves to cook might enjoy it better!
September 13, 2017
A quick read, that can covered in a couple of hours. The stories are simple and captures a lot of the Goan way of life, along with a lot of interesting details which, if you are Goan, will make you go, "Ah, yes!" The recipes are interesting too, especially if you've been in a Goan kitchen, and know what the author is talking about. I don't know why a few folks are not appreciating this book, but I personally think they need to relax.
July 21, 2020
Poskem written by Wendell Rodricks, is about four Poskem children. Poskem refers to children adopted by families for using the children as free labor around the household. This despicable undertaking is no more, thanks to stringent laws. The novella is full of recipes and facts surrounding the timeline of the story's narration. But the story itself is thin and lacks depth. Mario Miranda's illustrations are praiseworthy. It gives an insight into the vibrant Goan culture. I enjoyed the book because the book gave a glimpse into the history, culture and the cuisine of Goa. Go for the book only if you are interested in Goan history and cuisine.
November 20, 2021
Picked the book up before my trip to Goa a couple of years back. Didn’t read it till recently. It’s written by a famous Indian designer. Loved the blurb, and the thought behind the story is excellent. I had hoped to know more about the culture, especially the Poskem, who are children adopted by wealthy families. Sadly, there’s not much to learn. The book seems all over the place. And there are a bunch of recipes thrown in between the chapters.
July 20, 2020
Absolutely loved the way the author has woven the story. The description of colonial Goa, the recipes, the history, the references to local customs and the recipes... Loved it all. Wish there were more books by late Wendell Rodricks...
July 6, 2022
read this during my trip to Goa, was good insight into local culture and presented a soon to be forgotten tradition through a narrative of different perspectives that are tied together throughout the story
December 16, 2017
A fashion designer writing a book is a talent. Descriptive narration , crisp and interesting read for anyone who’s in awe of Goa- like me . Stories of four main characters covering their lives mildly caressing history and Goan culinary ..is differently told. Relatively a good read.
February 19, 2020
Wonderful narrative. Wendell has woven history, recipes, folk tales and information in a beautiful story.
January 22, 2022
Enjoyed reading this book. It took me back to the days when we were in Goa. Could relate to it a lot. I like the structure and the parallel narrative of stories.
May 20, 2024
What a wonderful book!
July 1, 2024
Detailed Review - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/poskem-...
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews