“‘The Pontin Secret’ is about a family that
goes through dire straits and how they survive, with Tina and her six children at
the core of the story,” says Dr Sushila Fonseca, the founder of the Dr
Fonseca’s Pathology Laboratory, Panjim. The novel was recently released online
on Amazon.com and will soon be available at bookstores in Goa.
Dr Sushila has worked closely with issues
pertaining to the youth. Her first book, ‘Rebecca’s Inheritance’, highlighted
alcoholism in society, while ‘Touched by Love’ and ‘What I should Know about
HIV/AIDS’ spoke about HIV/AIDS affecting youngsters from all strata of
society. She has also written ‘Good Health
Practices’ and ‘Know Your Fever’ to give readers a better understanding of
illness. ‘Invisible Currents’ brought out the life of youngsters caught in the
web of drug trafficking and its undercurrents. ‘The Pontin Secret’ deals with
cancer. She also writes articles and short stories for national magazines.
“The book is a piece of fiction with
mystery and good morals. The book is set in Pontua, a place that anyone can
relate to. If you are reading the book in Goa, you will feel like the book is
based in Goa. I wanted the readers to relate to it no matter where they are,
whether in India or abroad,” says Dr Sushila.
She caught the reading bug as a young girl
while still schooling in Kenya. Born in Goa, schooled in Kenya, graduated in
Mumbai and residing in Goa, Sushila Fonseca is a practising pathologist who
writes both fiction and non-fiction articles and books. As a young girl in
Mobasa, Kenya, in a convent school, Dr Sushila was very fond of reading and the
Indian Women’s Association had a two-floor library, right next to her school.
When she started writing, she showed more interest in medical and social
issues. Dr Sushila started her profession as a lecturer with Goa Medical
College when it was still housed at Maquinez Palace building, Panjim.
“I was working on the book for about a year
and a half as it was not continuous writing; I had to make time from work and
write each chapter at a time. When in a good mood, the chapter would turn out
well. I would jot down my ideas immediately so I could include them in the
story,” says the ever smiling doctor.
After writing eight books and four novels,
this is the first book that Dr Sushila put up online and the response has been very
encouraging. “I wanted to try and see how the book does online and I received many
pre orders for the book. The book was out on Amazon on July 17, 2017 and Kindle
will be releasing the book shortly. The books are not yet released in Goa but
once they are, they will be available in leading bookstores,” adds Dr Sushila.
“I have noticed the trend of reading books
among Goans since I moved to Goa after my wedding. There is an increase in
readership and those who love reading books will stick to books over other
mediums of entertainment. Writing is my hobby and I find it the best way to unwind.
It takes me to a different level, especially when I am stressed at work. The
characters are created by me but I am living and travelling through them. They
take their own way and I follow them. I imagine the things I wish I could do,
like travelling the world, and my characters do it for me,” she concludes.
