Time Is Running Out: Tales of a Malayali from Mombasa by Karunkar T Nair

A remarkable true story of migration, resilience and family bonds that spans continents and generations.

Born in pre-independence India, Karunkar T Nair's life would take him on an extraordinary journey from his ancestral home in Kerala to the vibrant coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, and eventually to the industrial towns of England. In this engaging memoir, Nair reflects on his early years as part of the Malayali diaspora in East Africa, his experiences navigating colonial and postcolonial upheaval, and the challenges of forging a new life in the UK.

With warmth, candour and vivid detail, Nair recounts everything from boyhood adventures along the shores of Mombasa to the struggles of earning a livelihood in unfamiliar lands, to the deep family sacrifices that shaped his future. At the heart of the story lies his unwavering commitment to his younger brother Nakulan, a promise that would lead to both triumphs and trials, and reveal the complexities of familial duty, cultural identity and personal ambition.

Spanning nearly nine decades, this memoir captures not just one man's life, but the shared experiences of countless families who left their homelands in search of opportunity while holding tight to their heritage and values.

Time Is Running Out: Tales of a Malayali from Mombasa is an inspiring, often humorous and deeply personal account of migration, loss, love and legacy, a story that will resonate with readers from all walks of life.