, written by T. D. Ramakrishnan and first published in 2009, is a landmark work in contemporary Malayalam literature. It is often described as a provocative blend of historical fiction, mystery, and thriller, spanning centuries and continents—from 15th-century Kerala to Renaissance Florence and modern-day, war-torn Iraq. Plot Overview and Key Themes

The story follows , an ex-US Marine who served in the Iraq War. Struggling with personal trauma, he investigates his ancestry and the life of his forefather, Francis Itty Cora , a 15th-century pepper merchant from Kunnamkulam, Kerala. Francis emerges as a larger-than-life, enigmatic figure: francis ittykkora - By : TD RAMAKRISHNAN - DC Books