Book Review: ‘Appetite’ by Shivranjana Rathore and Tino de Sa

Book Title: Appetite: New Writing from Goa
Author(s): Shivranjana Rathore and Tino de Sa
Publisher: Penguin eBury Press
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 0143478346
Date Published: Jan. 27, 2026
Price: INR 346 / $18

Book Review

A diverse anthology, “Appetite: New Writing from Goa” by authors Shivranjana Rathore and Tino de Sa offer an exploration of desire, identity, and culture through stories, poems, and essays reflecting the complexities of contemporary Goan life. It captures the essence of Goa, melding historical context with present-day realities. Contributors delve into themes of longing and belonging, portraying Goa as a site of socio-economic and emotional pressures, rather than a static cultural object. The anthology interrogates contemporary anxieties through varied literary forms, including speculative fiction, domestic narratives, and political poetry.

Key pieces highlight the role of food as both a motif and a method, revealing the tensions between comfort and violence in cultural expressions. The work emphasizes conversations across generations and forms, illustrating connections between written and visual art. Essays broaden the discourse, addressing issues such as land, labour, and the ethics of desire in a rapidly evolving socio-political landscape.

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To sum up, “Appetite” avoids simple resolutions, presenting a mosaic of voices and perspectives that invite reflection and dialogue. It serves as a living archive, documenting the interplay of past and present, insider and outsider, urging readers to engage with Goa’s multifaceted narrative. The anthology’s focus on humility as a form of ambition reflects a deeper understanding of the complex appetites that define human experience, challenging the reader to seek meaning rather than consumption. A must-read!

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