Bernardo Elvino de Sousa’s book, “The denaming of Goans: Case studies of conversions in medieval Goa” is a fascinating, masterful, factual rendering of historical events that unfolded as a result of the Portuguese colonization, conversion and conquest of the island of Goa. Using case studies of key individuals and tipping points, de Sousa provides a window into the lives and identities of the people of Goa, which were significantly disrupted and altered forever. Faced with conversions, the book presents the complexity and paradox of resistance and relenting, loss and gain, and the gut-wrenching choices that people made to protect lives and livelihoods. It is an in-depth analysis that lays out differing perceptions and bare facts that makes the reader think. An eye-opening account that is a must read for anyone interested in history, sociology, religious and political studies.
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