This biographical study, The Gooptar Family, A story of Triumph and Cultural Persistence, is one of family survival and creativity against a background of natural and man-made obstacles in the island of Trinidad and Tobago. The early chapters of the book capture the history of the family and recall various aspects of their cultural traditions and religion. The book is well illustrated with diagrams and numerous photographs of memorable occasions. It traces their family tree, continuing from India across the Kala Pani and ending up in the remote Brazil Village (Central Trinidad), where they established their own Dynasty. The book is a comprehensive study of how one family, steeped in poverty, sacrifices and uses education as a means of getting out of the cycle of poverty. It further explores how, despite their early difficulties, they contributed to the development of their community and nation building.