A powerful work of narrative nonfiction by Sudeep Chakravarti. The book chronicles the author's travels through the northeastern Indian states of Nagaland and Manipur along the historic Highway 39 (now part of NH-2). Through interviews with civilians, insurgents, military personnel, activists, and government officials, Chakravarti explores decades of conflict, identity struggles, insurgency, and political neglect in the region. The book offers a nuanced portrait of a complex and often misunderstood part of India while highlighting both its tragedies and its hopes for the future.