- Penguin Random House India clarified on Friday (August 28, 2026) that it is not the publisher of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’ in India, following a news report that it backed out due to editorial disagreements.
- The spokesperson stated: “Penguin Random House India is not the publisher of ‘Belonging’ in India. Any suggestion that Penguin Random House India decided not to publish ‘Belonging’ because the author declined editorial changes does not accurately reflect the circumstances.
- The spokesperson added that fact-checking and recommendations are a normal part of the publishing process, and that Penguin Random House India remained willing and keen to publish the book throughout the discussions.
- The representative also noted that confidential discussions are ongoing with the author.
Penguin Random House India has officially stated it is not the publisher of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', after reports suggested the company backed out due to editorial disagreements. The company emphasized that it remains willing to publish the book, which is set for release on November 10 by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House.1
The spokesperson clarified, “Any suggestion that Penguin Random House India decided not to publish ‘Belonging’ because the author declined editorial changes does not accurately reflect the circumstances.” The company highlighted its responsibility to fact-check and provide recommendations in the best interests of the book.
Reports indicate that the breakdown in negotiations was due to Gandhi's refusal to make changes to sections concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). A source revealed that Gandhi insisted on maintaining her narrative, stating, “It is her story and there was no question of allowing any distortions to her telling of her life.”
With Penguin Random House out of the picture, HarperCollins is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement to publish the memoir in India. The first print run is expected to be 100,000 copies, as stated by Knopf, which also noted that Gandhi's memoir reflects on her experiences within the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty and her observations over six decades.
The memoir's content has sparked controversy, particularly regarding Gandhi's reflections on her interactions with Modi and the India-China relationship, which were points of contention during the negotiations.
“The spokesperson emphasized that fact-checking and recommendations are a normal part of publishing, and the house remained willing to publish throughout discussions. Confidential discussions with the author are ongoing, while an exclusive report claimed Penguin sought cuts to Modi, RSS, and China portions.”
The Indian Express
