Rajiv by Sonia Gandhi [Hardcover]

Sonia Gandhi knew Rajiv Gandhi better than anyone else. She has authored this biography of Rajiv, dividing the book into four sections. The first and last sections are deeply personal and introspective—the first expressed in words, the last in pictures.

In the first section, Sonia Gandhi brings Rajiv to life through her memories. Her voice remains gentle and restrained, yet it resonates powerfully with the reader. The final section consists of photographs taken by Rajiv himself, offering a glimpse into his inner world.

The two middle sections, filled with numerous photographs and accompanying descriptions, chronicle Rajiv’s life—how his personal journey transitioned into the social and political spheres. Where Sonia Gandhi had a direct role or was personally present, she narrates in the first person. However, through excerpts from letters, speeches, and interviews, the voices of the central figures also come alive.

The letters of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, written during India’s struggle for independence, reveal an intimate world that the public is already familiar with. While India’s most famous political family has been a topic of widespread discussion over the years, its members have rarely spoken openly about themselves. In this book, Sonia Gandhi shares crucial moments from her life intertwined with this family. With her personal insights and emotions, she illuminates Rajiv’s inner thoughts and perspectives.

This is a poignant account of the intersection between personal life and destiny. Enriched with numerous unpublished letters and photographs from Sonia Gandhi’s private collection, the book casts an extraordinary light on different eras and key personalities.