The Red Sari

Javier Moro

A transfixing novel about the Nehru-Gandhi family, told through the story of Sonia Gandhi, an Italian from modest origins who becomes one of the world’s most powerful women

In 1965 Sonia Maino, a nineteen-year-old Italian student, meets a young Indian man named Rajiv Gandhi. She is the daughter of a humble family near Turin; he comes from the most powerful lineage in India. It is the beginning of a love story that not even death can end. In the name of love, Maino leaves her past to blend in with her expansive new country, India, which worships twenty million gods, speaks eight hundred languages, and votes for five hundred political parties. Her courage, integrity, and devotion will turn her into a revered and beloved figure.(from Netgalley)

My Thoughts

This is the historical fiction story of Sonia Gandhi. Sonia was a nineteen year old, born and raised in Italy when she met Rajiv Gandhi, the son of Indira Gandhi. They fall in love and marry. When Indira was assassinated in 1984, Rajiv became Prime Minister. When he was assassinated, Sonia originally wanted to stay out of politics. She subsequently changed her mind and became President of the Congress Party.

Wow - what a story! Sonia’s transition from a shy Italian teenager to the leader of the Congress Party is really quite amazing. What I enjoyed the most was reading about the history, culture and traditions of India. The author has a wonderful way of providing detail while making the story enjoyable.

Many thanks to Open Road Integrated Media, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.