Starting from Indian independence, Kingshuk Nag takes the reader through the events of the states reorganization in 1950s, the opinions of various leaders (starting with Nehru, who was reluctant about linguistic states), the action (sometimes repression) taken to control this movement, the historical differences of this region owing to the Nizams rule, the caste equations till the current state. He brings out the incredible complexity in solving this issue, as there are so many actors with different economic, political and social interests at stake. He identifies the accurately the core of the problem, the fight over Hyderabad and who gets to enjoy its "riches". While the obligatory solution he presents may not be workable or accepted, the book holds several lessons for policy makers, about how not to play with aspirations of a people. The book reads more as an engaging novel rather than a dry work of history, though the facts presented are accurate and well researched. A highly recommended read for anyone having interest in Indian politics and in the complexity of managing them.