Why Penguin refused to publish Sonia Gandhi's book

Penguin India requested changes to the manuscript, which Sonia Gandhi declined.

Penguin India has refused to publish Sonia Gandhi's much-anticipated autobiography Belonging: a Journey of Love. According to a report by Indian Express, Penguin India had asked for changes in the manuscript, which Sonia Gandhi rejected.

This book, in which Sonia Gandhi writes about her personal and political life, was scheduled to be published by Penguin India on 10 November 2026. However, after Sonia Gandhi refused to make changes, the publication has declined to publish the book. Meanwhile, other publishers have shown interest in publishing the book. Harper Collins is now interested in publishing and distributing Sonia Gandhi's book, Belonging: a Journey of Love.

Belonging: a Journey of Love is an intriguing story of Sonia Gandhi's childhood, love, family, and political life. It narrates how a girl born in a small village in Italy emerges as a politician in India. In this memoir, Sonia Gandhi presents a document of her life, describing her personal and political journey.

In this book, Sonia Gandhi mentions meeting Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge, England, their marriage, and the deaths of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. It documents her journey from childhood to her political life. Sonia Gandhi talks about resisting pressures in her political life and the challenges she faced. The book is essentially the story of a courageous woman who strives to shape her life and serve the country.

Rahul Gandhi said in an X post,

I have seen you face every challenge in life with indomitable courage and dignity. I last saw you and Papa 35 years ago. Speaking about the subject of the book, Rahul says, “I am happy and proud that your story - "Belonging: a Journey of Love" - will finally reach the millions who love you. I know how difficult it must have been for a private person like you to share this beautiful story with the world. Today, on his birthday, I can see Papa smiling and looking at his beloved Sonia with pride. With love, Rahul”

According to sources, Penguin Random House India had demanded some “editorial changes and deletions” in a part of the manuscript, which Sonia Gandhi did not accept. This led to a lack of agreement between the publisher and the author. After Penguin India's withdrawal, several Indian publishers are now in the race to publish this book. It is reported that Harper Collins is close to finalising an agreement for the publication and distribution of the book in India.

The book is proposed to be released on 10 November. Its first announcement was made by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House in the USA. Knopf plans to print one lakh copies of the first edition.

Indian Express sought responses from Knopf and Sonia Gandhi's representative David Godwin, but could not reach either. Penguin Random House India CEO Gaurav Shrinagesh was also questioned about the “changes and deletions” requested in the manuscript, but his response was not available.

Sonia Gandhi has previously written and edited several books. However, those who have worked on this book say it is the most personal and comprehensive account of her life so far. Knopf has described it as “the thrilling autobiography of one of the world's most prominent female leaders,” presenting the story of love, family, and the ever-fascinating country of India in a captivating manner.

In a statement issued by Knopf, Sonia Gandhi is quoted as saying,

Much has been written about my family, but very few accounts have reached the real motivations behind their decisions, their actions, and even the truth of their human flaws. My story also provides readers with a unique perspective on the social and political changes I have witnessed closely over six decades.”

Earlier this year, PRHI issued a statement saying,

it had “not published” the autobiography of former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, ‘Four Stars of Destiny’. However, Rahul Gandhi displayed a printed copy of this book in Parliament. Excerpts from Naravane's autobiography had also surfaced in the media, including his account of the India-China military clash in Galwan and the Agnipath scheme.

In June this year, Penguin withdrew from publishing the book ‘The Once and Future Riot’ by renowned graphic novelist Joe Sacco, based on the Muzaffarnagar riots. At that time, CEO Gaurav Shrinagesh said that during a legal review, the publisher had raised some issues related to the content with the author, including a map inaccurately depicting India's borders.