Sonia Gandhi's memoir ‘Belonging’ to be published by HarperCollins on Nov 10 | India News - Hindustan Times

**Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir “Belonging” to Hit Shelves on Nov 10 via HarperCollins India** *New Delhi –* The much‑anticipated political memoir of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, titled **“Belonging,”** will be published in India by HarperCollins on 10 November 2024. Spanning more than 500 pages, the book chronicles Gandhi’s journey from her arrival in India in 1969 to her decades‑long role at the helm of one of the nation’s largest political parties. The memoir, written in collaboration with seasoned political biographer Rukmini S. Mishra, promises “intimate recollections, behind‑the‑scenes insights and reflections on India’s evolving democratic fabric,” according to a press release from HarperCollins India.

The publication follows a high‑profile fallout with the original contract holder, Penguin Random House India, which withdrew in early August citing “strategic misalignment” after the manuscript attracted scrutiny over its political content. Penguin’s decision sparked a debate within the Indian publishing sector about the pressures faced by houses handling works by senior political figures. HarperCollins, which had previously expressed interest in the project, stepped in swiftly, assuring that the memoir would be released unchanged and that editorial independence would be upheld.

Reactions have been mixed. Senior Congress leaders hailed the upcoming release as a “gift to the nation” that will illuminate the party’s internal dynamics, while opposition parties have warned that the memoir could be used to “re‑frame history.” Industry observers note that the book’s launch could set a precedent for how major Indian publishers navigate politically sensitive narratives, especially ahead of the next general election. HarperCollins has announced a series of promotional events across major metros, including a virtual launch featuring Gandhi’s close confidants, signaling confidence in the memoir’s commercial and cultural impact.