New Delhi: Penguin Random House India has clarified that it is not the Indian publisher of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s forthcoming memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, while rejecting reports that it withdrew from the project because Gandhi refused proposed editorial changes.
Penguin says it was keen to publish
The clarification follows reports that Penguin Random House India had sought certain changes and deletions in the manuscript, which Gandhi allegedly did not accept.
In its statement, the publisher said that any suggestion that it decided against publishing the memoir because the author declined editorial changes did not accurately reflect the circumstances. It also said it had remained “willing and keen” to publish the book during the relevant discussions.
Penguin added that fact-checking manuscripts and providing recommendations to authors are part of the normal publishing process and its responsibility.
Publisher will not discuss private talks
Penguin Random House India has declined to provide details of its discussions with Gandhi, describing them as confidential. The statement has therefore not addressed the specific editorial issues reportedly discussed with the author.
The development has attracted attention because Belonging is one of the most anticipated political memoirs of the year. The book is expected to offer Gandhi’s account of her personal life, her marriage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and her entry into public life following his assassination.
Memoir still set for November release
The international edition is scheduled for release on November 10 through Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Penguin Random House. However, the publishing and distribution arrangements for the Indian edition remain a subject of interest following Penguin Random House India’s clarification.
Reports indicate that other publishers are now interested in bringing the memoir to Indian readers. The controversy has added further attention to a book that is expected to provide personal reflections on several decades of Indian political and social life.