So often a memoir is dull in the first chapter wherein the ancestors are identified, then the "real" story begins. This one is not like that. The ancestors are an important part of the story. Through them we get a brief glimpse at colonial history in India, South Africa, and Kenya. Then we get a glorified history of Canada in the family's immigration experience. The stance is anti-colonial, the perspective is that of the oppressed-become-immigrant. The progression in increasing involvement in the country one is in, including civil service,running for office, and an urge to be involved wherever one finds themself. The story is well told and held my interest throughout.

Besides learning about Gandhi's time in South Africa (he was a friend of the family in that generation), I learned about the Indian experience in South Africa. Previously I had thought of apartheid in terms of Black and white, assuming all people of color had essentially the same oppression. Instead I learned that there were ways the Indians had it better as well ways it was worse for them.