Claudia

Claudia is a young Goan village girl. Clever. Charming. Ambitious. With two older sisters, unmarried because their reputaition is spoiled by insensible premaritial affairs, Claudia is the family's only hope whose arranged marriage could restore honour and respect within their conservative community.

The news of the intensified resistance by the Indian Government to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule has caused sudden distress, turmoil and conflict in Claudia's life. When she had her first encounter with Damiano, the attractive son of her Portuguese master, she never imagined their meetings would grow so intimate.

Amidst advancing Dabolin airport, departing Portguese families and chaos, Claudia needs to condier the offer made by her Portuhuese lover, Damiano, to escape to Portugal as a servant girl where their covert affair can continue.

Much relies on Claudia's choice: the call is urgent and decisive.

Will Claudia abandon her family's honour and choose forbidden love?

Will she proceed with an arranged marriage to Ferrao, the rich sailor from her local community and end the social stigma her family has endured?

Claudia, set in a Portuguese colonised Goa, a touching and uplifing story of a woman's struggles and triumph of finding hope, will unravel the answers.

Sophia Lorena Benjamin was born and grew up in Tonca Miramar, in the gorgeous state of Goa. After graduating from Dhempe college of Arts and Science. She worked as a program announcer for Goa Doordarshan and enjoyed a successful corporate career at Citibank Goa and Citigroup Dubai.

Sophia likes expressing herself and encouraging others through creative writing. She has been counted on by Goan village folk to write letters for loved ones living abroad. Life experiences are where her inspirations come from, mostly people and places. She is a Confidence and Communications Coach who has written for local and international newspapers and magazines.

Fashion, Goan fish curry rice, songs, folklore, the beach and her family are some of simpler things that she adores.