As an economist turned social scientist, K. Saradamoni, who grew up in Kerala, worked in the Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi and then moved back to work in Kerala post retirement. This memoir takes us through modern Indian and Kerala history, both of which the author had a ringside view of. Using simple language, the book discusses issues of caste, class, land, labour, gender and agriculture, all of which the author studied academically. She also writes about her travels to Paris and London for her doctoral work, to the US, Africa, parts of Asia and Latin America. In this memoir, Saradamoni draws upon her life as an academic and activist to narrate a gripping story with keen observation and insight.