In this book Dr. Manouri P. Senanayake in her new role as a story teller takes the reader across continents, across generations, across families to render justice to the memory of her illustrious grandfather the late Don Sarnelis (Hayley) Goonawardene, whose spirited endeavours in many spheres of life had paid off handsomely in a ‘ hard won journey’. Elegantly written with meticulous research one is carried across time and space to the gold fields of 19th century Australia, colonial Galle and Matara, corridors of power of Hayleys and finally to mid – 20th century Thimbirigasyaya where with great aptitude, foresight and business acumen Goonawardene purchased acres of land which to this day continue to pay great dividend. In her own inimitable way Manouri expresses her gratitude to all those of her family i.e. the kith and kin, and friends, who had a remarkable influence on her upbringing and privileged education that finally shaped her whole life. It is work of this nature that raises the profile of social history of Sri Lanka told though personal anecdotes, collated documents and rare photos that reveal glimpses of both nature and reputed personalities within a historical setting. The account is fascinating, full of colour tempered with patriotism and justifiable pride in the life and work of her forbears and relatives. Manouri has not forgotten her immediate family either, whose professional success and recent tying of the knot has brought her and her husband Jayantha, joy and bliss and a matchless sense of achievement.