The Extraordinary Life of
Abe Faria
This is the first novel written covering the dramatic events in the life of Fr. Faria, who died a pauper with accolades coming his way only after his passing.
Recommendations is a weekly column, in our Books section, where we invite a well-known author to recommend four books translated from an Indian language. These are not just recommendations, but books that have made an impact on their creative world.
This month, we will feature author Damodar Maouzo’s selections.
“The Hypnotist: A Biographical Novel”
By Uday Bhembre
Translated by Dr. G. Mahatme
Based on the life of Abe Faria, known worldwide as the Father of the Doctrine of Suggestion in Hypnotism, this novel is a fictionalised biography. As a young boy of 15, he was taken to Portugal by his father, as there were no prospects in 18th century Portuguese ruled Goa. At the behest of the King, he proceeded to Rome where he was ordained a priest and received a doctorate in theology and philosophy. On returning to Lisbon he found that it was difficult to stay in Portugal as there was rampant discrimination against the Goans. He then left for France where he remained a priest, but did not practice priesthood. In Paris, he heard about Dr. Mesmer and his theory of mesmerisation which interested Fr. Faria. He had big dreams of becoming an achiever, which led him to choose Hypnotism for his research and constructed his own doctrine.
Fr. Abe Faria became known as a Healer, and within a short span of time he became popular in France and Europe. He became a fellow of Paris University and a member of the Medical Society of Marseille.
In the course of his career, he attracted three kinds of enemies: the Catholic Church, the Clergy and the disciples of Dr. Mesmer. They worked hard to put him down and humiliate him, compelling him to end his practice. He ultimately died a pauper, and after his death the accolades came his way, terming him as the father of Hypnotism.
The author, Uday Bhembre, who has contributed richly to Konkani literature, has done a thorough study of Abe Faria’s life, depicting his troubled childhood in Goa, his times in Lisbon, Rome, Paris, Marseille and the trials and tribulations he encountered in his journey to both fame and obscurity .
This is the first novel written covering the dramatic events in the life of Fr. Faria, though biographies are available in Portuguese, Konkani and English.
I strongly recommend the novel for its historical importance.
