Because of the many roles he has played in the country, Looking Back is much more than Dr. Sama Banya's life story. In a lively and entertaining manner, he takes the reader through the chequered history of Sierra Leone from the colonial era to the present providing,along the way, accounts of the origin of Kailahun, his home town, the Kissy/Mende chiefs from whom he descends, life in Bo School where he had the early part of his secondary school education, as well as insights into the workings of the civil service in his day. A physician by profession, Dr. Sama BAnyha is best known as a politician. He served as a cabinet minister under two presidents, and his deep knowledge of political machinations in Sierra Leone as seen from both sides of the parliamentary divide, makes this autobiography an altogether fascinating read.