Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s book, “Belonging: A Journey of Love,” has been refused publication by publishing house Penguin Random House India (PRHI).
According to a report in the Indian Express, Penguin wanted to make some editorial changes to the book, but agreement could not be reached. Consequently, several Indian publishers have joined the race to publish the book. It is reported that HarperCollins may now play a major role in publishing the book.
Sonia Gandhi’s book was scheduled to be released on November 10, 2026. It was first announced by US-based Alfred A. Knopf, a branch of Penguin Random House. Knopf had stated that the first printing of the book would be 100,000 copies. Sonia Gandhi has written and published several books before, but those working on this book say it is the most personal and detailed version of her life.
Knopf described this book by Sonia Gandhi as the most personal story of one of the world’s most prominent female leaders, revealing the story of Sonia Gandhi’s love, family, and her long relationship with India. At the announcement of her book, Sonia Gandhi said that much has been written about her family, but in her view, very few stories have accurately captured their work, the family members’ intentions, and their human weaknesses.
Knopf’s release quoted Sonia Gandhi as saying, “Much has been written about my family, but few accounts have truly captured the truth behind their motivations, their actions, and even their human shortcomings. My story also offers readers a unique perspective on the social and political changes I have witnessed over six decades.”
According to reports, the publisher and Sonia Gandhi disagreed on certain parts of the book’s manuscript. PRHI had suggested that Gandhi make some changes to a section of the book and remove some content, but Sonia Gandhi refused to do so. Consequently, PRHI distanced itself from the project. It’s worth noting that PRHI had previously refused to publish former Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane’s book, “Four Stars of Destiny.” Rahul Gandhi had displayed a hard copy of the book in Parliament.