Penguin India pulls out of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir ‘Belonging’ over 'editorial changes': Report

Penguin Random House India has reportedly decided not to publish Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love in India’, after a disagreement over proposed changes to the manuscript.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the dispute was related to “editorial changes and deletions” sought by Penguin Random House India in one section of the book. Sonia Gandhi reportedly did not agree to the changes.

The memoir is still scheduled for an international release on November 10 through Alfred A Knopf, a Penguin Random House imprint. Knopf had earlier announced an initial print run of 1 lakh copies.

Sonia Gandhi on sharing her story

The book is expected to touch upon her decision not to become prime minister after the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance won the 2004 Lok Sabha election.

In the publisher’s announcement, Sonia Gandhi said, “Much has been written about my family, but few narratives were able to reach into the truth of their motivations, their actions and even their human failings…My story also offers readers a unique perspective of the social and political changes I have witnessed for six decades.”

Rahul Gandhi recently spoke about the memoir while remembering his father. Addressing Sonia Gandhi as “Mama”, he wrote, “Since the day Papa left, I have watched you face everything life threw at you with never-ending courage and dignity.”

Other publishers interested in memoir

With Penguin India reportedly stepping away, other publishers have shown interest in bringing the book to Indian readers. HarperCollins is said to be close to finalising a deal to publish and distribute the memoir in India.

‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’ is expected to offer a personal account of Sonia Gandhi’s life, from her childhood in post-war Italy and her eventual move to India to her marriage to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The memoir is also expected to discuss major events that shaped her life, including the deaths of Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, as well as her entry into politics.