📰 Goa, Desired and Disputed: ‘Appetite’ Explores Identity, Belonging and Beyond

A new anthology titled Appetite offers a layered and thought-provoking exploration of Goa, going beyond postcard-perfect imagery to examine deeper questions of identity, migration, and belonging.

📚 A Multifaceted Literary Work

The collection brings together a diverse mix of stories, essays, and poems by multiple writers, each presenting a unique perspective on Goa’s evolving social and cultural landscape. Rather than celebrating only its beaches and tourism appeal, Appetite delves into the complexities that define the region today.

🌍 Beyond the Stereotypes

The anthology challenges common clichés associated with Goa—sun, sand, and leisure—by focusing on the tensions between locals and outsiders, rapid urbanisation, and shifting demographics. It paints a picture of a place that is both deeply desired and increasingly contested.

🧭 Themes of Identity and Belonging

At its core, the book raises important questions:

• Who truly belongs in Goa?

• How does migration reshape identity?

• What happens when tradition meets modern aspiration?

Through personal narratives and reflective essays, contributors explore the emotional and cultural impact of settlement, displacement, and change.

✍️ Provoking Dialogue

Appetite is not just a literary compilation but a conversation starter. It encourages readers to engage with uncomfortable truths and ongoing debates about land, culture, and ownership in Goa.

🌿 A Timely Reflection

As Goa continues to attract people from across India and the world, the anthology arrives at a crucial moment, capturing the friction between preservation and progress.