Sad-Glad

Sad-Glad is a deeply felt memoir that follows four generations of the Kandathil Varughese Mappillai family, tracing their rise in business and their navigation of a changing world. Translated from Malayalam, this non-fiction narrative blends family saga with social history, appealing to readers of biographies, business history, and cultural portraits. Suitable for adult readers and anyone who relishes thoughtful, immersive storytelling, Sad-Glad carries a tone of resilience, warmth, and quiet revelation. Structured as an intimate arc, the book moves through decades of ambition and upheaval, offering clear portraits of the family’s ventures—from founding chapters to the creation of major companies. The narrative foregrounds pivotal choices, including their support for the nationalist State Congress, and the costly consequences for a valued bank. Yet in the face of loss, Sad-Glad reveals a stubborn credo: rebuild, reinvent, and pursue integrity. Readers will meet central figures in Kerala's public life, encounter a rich social backdrop, and observe how liberal values, credibility, and democracy shape every decision. The prose is warm and accessible, balancing historical context with personal reflection, and the translation preserves the cadence and voice of the original Malayalam work. Whether you come for history, family sagas, or a portrait of enterprise amid turbulent times, Sad-Glad invites you to walk alongside a remarkable family as they turn hardship into a new chapter. Four generations of the Kandathil Varughese Mappillai family and their enterprises, including Malayala Manorama and the Travancore National and Quilon Bank A vivid tapestry of Kerala’s social and political history over nearly a century A candid look at ambition, resilience, and the costs of trust and credibility Key turning points, including ties to the nationalist State Congress and the bank’s collapse Rich portraits of prominent figures that bring a living sense of place to the story Translated from Malayalam, preserving the voice and cadence of the original memoir After finishing Sad-Glad, readers gain a nuanced understanding of how legacy is built—through courage, accountability, and a commitment to truth. It leaves you feeling inspired to think about credibility, community, and the enduring power of resilience.