Rajiv GandhiSanjay GandhiJoe SaccoSonia GandhiRahul GandhiM M NaravaneIndira GandhiThe Indian ExpressPenguin Random House IndiaPenguin Random HouseUnited Progressive AllianceAlfred A. KnopfIndian National CongressHarperCollins India

Penguin India drops Sonia Gandhi memoir after she rejects 'editorial changes'; other Indian publishers now race to publish

Penguin Random House India has withdrawn from publishing Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love,' after she rejected proposed editorial changes. Other Indian publishers, including HarperCollins, are now competing to publish the book, originally set for release on November 10, 2026.

The Hindu The Hindu+1 source28 August 2026 · 07:44 UTC
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Penguin Random House India has dropped Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', after she rejected editorial changes suggested by the publisher. The memoir, which reflects on her life and political career, was initially set for release on November 10, 2026.

Gandhi's decision to decline the proposed alterations has opened the door for other publishers, with HarperCollins India reportedly close to finalizing a deal to publish the book. The memoir is expected to delve into her experiences within the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty and her tenure as president of the Indian National Congress.

In a social media post, her son Rahul Gandhi expressed pride in his mother's decision to share her story, highlighting her courage and dignity throughout her life. He noted the challenges she faced in revealing her personal narrative, stating, “I know how hard it was for someone as private as you to tell the world your beautiful story.”

This incident follows previous controversies involving Penguin Random House India, including the withdrawal of other notable titles. The memoir's anticipated release has sparked significant interest among Indian publishers eager to secure the rights to this compelling narrative.

Key Insight
“The Indian Express reported Friday that Gandhi turned down the suggested changes in a part of the manuscript. Several other publishers in India are now competing to publish and distribute the book.”
CuriousCats studied:
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The HinduThe Hindu
“Penguin Random House India has reportedly backed out of publishing leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love’, after disagreements over editorial changes.”
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Scroll.inScroll.in
“Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s memoir *Belonging: A Journey of Love in India* after she rejected certain “editorial changes and deletions”, *The Indian Express* reported on Friday, quoting unidentified persons.”
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