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🇮🇳 India /Culture & Society

Sonia Gandhi memoir's India edition may feature saree photo by Rajiv Gandhi

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Indian edition of Sonia Gandhi's memoir may use a cover photo of her in a saree, taken by Rajiv Gandhi, unlike the international version.
  • Penguin Random House India clarified it remains willing to publish the book, refuting claims of withdrawal due to editorial changes.
  • The memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love,' reportedly includes Gandhi's recollections of meetings with PM Modi, including a comment where he called her a 'Jersey cow.'

The upcoming Indian edition of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, titled 'Belonging: A Journey of Love,' is poised to feature a distinct cover. While the international edition showcases a close-up headshot, the Indian version is likely to display a photograph of Gandhi clad in a saree, a picture taken by her late husband and former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi.

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.

— Penguin Random House IndiaClarifying their role and the reasons behind publication discussions.

This potential cover change comes amid reported difficulties in the book's publication in India. Penguin Random House India (PRHI) reportedly ceased discussions because Gandhi refused to alter or remove references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and Chinese intrusions into India. Gandhi maintained that the memoir is her personal story and she would not permit any distortions.

However, Penguin Random House India issued a statement clarifying its position. The publisher asserted that it is not the publisher of the book in India and denied that its decision not to publish was due to the author's refusal of editorial changes. PRHI stated it remains "keen to publish the book" and emphasized that fact-checking and suggesting editorial modifications are standard publishing responsibilities. They noted that their position throughout discussions was one of willingness to publish.

As a publisher, it is both our prerogative and our responsibility to fact check and provide authors with recommendations that are in the best interests of their books. This is a normal part of the publishing process.

— Penguin Random House IndiaExplaining standard publishing procedures regarding editorial changes.

Sources close to Gandhi indicated that PRHI sought the removal of certain sections, notably her recollections and observations from meetings with Prime Minister Modi. One specific instance cited was Modi referring to her as a 'Jersey cow' at a public rally in Gujarat in 2004. The memoir is expected to be released worldwide by Alfred A Knopf, an imprint of Penguin, on November 10, with HarperCollins reportedly in final negotiations to publish and distribute it in India.

Throughout the relevant discussions, Penguin Random House India's position was that we remained willing and keen to publish the book.

— Penguin Random House IndiaReiterating their interest in publishing Sonia Gandhi's memoir.
About this summary

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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