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The Red Sari: A Novel
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.
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.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2008
455 people are currently reading
3063 people want to read
About the author
Javier Moro
45 books508 followersJavier Moro es autor de grandes epopeyas como Senderos de libertad (Planeta/Seix Barral, 1992) que cuenta la lucha por la defensa de la selva amazónica; El pie de Jaipur, (Planeta/Seix Barral, 1995) un conmovedor relato sobre la capacidad de superación del ser humano; Las montañas de Buda (Planeta/Seix Barral, 1998) resultado de dos años de investigación en Tibet, Nepal y la India, que es un testimonio indispensable sobre el drama tibetano. En 2001 ha publicado Era medianoche en Bhopal, la historia de la mayor catástrofe industrial de todos los tiempos, en colaboración con Dominique Lapierre. En 2005, Pasión India (Seix Barral), la vida de la bailarina española que se casó con el Marajá de Kapurthala, libro que ha fascinado a más de un millón de lectores en España y que ha sido traducido a 17 idiomas.
En 2008,El sari rojo, la historia de la familia Nehru a traves de la vida de Sonia Gandhi, libro que ha causado una fuerte polemica en la India y que ha sido recibido con gran exito de critica y lectores en todos los paises donde se ha publicado. Finalmente, "El Imperio Eres Tu", ganadora del Premio Planeta de Novela 2011.
En 2008,El sari rojo, la historia de la familia Nehru a traves de la vida de Sonia Gandhi, libro que ha causado una fuerte polemica en la India y que ha sido recibido con gran exito de critica y lectores en todos los paises donde se ha publicado. Finalmente, "El Imperio Eres Tu", ganadora del Premio Planeta de Novela 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
February 12, 2015
Why did I even buy this book? It is true that I read any book that I can lay my hands on. I got this book primarily because I read somewhere that Youth Congress fellows burnt copies of the book in some form of protest, and I was curious. As I started reading the book, I realized that the author has put in tremendous efforts to narrate a fascinating tale. A fascinating tale of Sonia Gandhi - a much loved and much reviled person.
The dramatized storytelling keeps the reader hooked. While I have read other books on Sonia Gandhi (and the rest of the family), I would rate this as being among the best. Authors of biographies tend to take one of the three paths. One, approach the character with derision bordering on pure hatred that results in a narrative that leaves a very bad taste. Two, approach the character with awe and groveling attitude, making the reading nauseating. Three, approach the character from a notional neutral viewpoint, making the storytelling insipid. Jaiver Moro treats the character with the right amount of respect and sensitivity, neither stooping to innuendos nor appearing to be shamelessly fawning.
You can love the Gandhi family or hate it. You have to admit that the story of the family is interesting indeed. I read the book at half my reading speed and enjoyed every bit of it. I would definitely recommend the book for reading, albeit with a warning, "reading biographies is an acquired taste".
After finishing this book, I really wonder what the guys who burnt copies in protest were protesting against! Will someone educate me on that? Now don't come back with the conspiracy theory that the protest was orchestrated to increase sales of the book!
The dramatized storytelling keeps the reader hooked. While I have read other books on Sonia Gandhi (and the rest of the family), I would rate this as being among the best. Authors of biographies tend to take one of the three paths. One, approach the character with derision bordering on pure hatred that results in a narrative that leaves a very bad taste. Two, approach the character with awe and groveling attitude, making the reading nauseating. Three, approach the character from a notional neutral viewpoint, making the storytelling insipid. Jaiver Moro treats the character with the right amount of respect and sensitivity, neither stooping to innuendos nor appearing to be shamelessly fawning.
You can love the Gandhi family or hate it. You have to admit that the story of the family is interesting indeed. I read the book at half my reading speed and enjoyed every bit of it. I would definitely recommend the book for reading, albeit with a warning, "reading biographies is an acquired taste".
After finishing this book, I really wonder what the guys who burnt copies in protest were protesting against! Will someone educate me on that? Now don't come back with the conspiracy theory that the protest was orchestrated to increase sales of the book!
March 15, 2015
As i finished this book, I wondered...why in God's name would the Congress want to ban this??
The title claims this to be a dramatised biography of Sonia Gandhi...but it comes across more like a hagiography. More on that later.
The book starts well. Rajiv Gandhi's assassination opens the first few pages, and we are soon drawn into the life of the Gandhis. After devoting a few pages to the almost "Mills & Boon"-isque romance of Rajiv and Sonia, the author brings in arguably the most interesting character - Indira Gandhi. She captivates the imagination like no other, having led India through some of its most turbulent years. A lot of anecdotes in this section make it an interesting read. Sample this:
(on being informed by B.K.Nehru that President Lyndon B. Johnson had asked him how Indira would like to be addressed)
"Let him call me whatever he wants..." she said, and before her cousin had left the room she added, " You can also tell him that some of my ministers call me 'Sir'. If he likes, he can do that too"
Or this:
“Why doesn’t she tell me in person instead of writing me a note?” asked the Italian girl (Sonia Gandhi) on the verge of tears. “Mrs Gandhi finds it hard to express herself,” Usha answered, “she’s a rather introverted lady. But don’t worry about the letters, she also used to communicate like that with her husband and her father.”
The book races through the Indira Gandhi years, describing how she handled internal and external pressures, electoral compulsions and an increasingly united opposition. Here again, there are a lot of subtle, yet very engaging excerpts.
On a personal front too, the author manages to give us a detailed insight on the rise of Sanjay Gandhi and India's weakness for her much maligned son. Her closeness to Sonia, and her apprehensions about Menaka (Sanjay's wife), are dramatised well. At this point I could picture this as a well written Indian political soap, impossible to make now, but perhaps someday.
And then it happens.
Somewhere around the Eemergency, the author takes a marked turn...from being an interesting observer to becoming a staunch supporter. From then on, anyone named Gandhi is a saint and the rest are the vultures waiting to tear India to shreds. From Menaka ( described as loud, scheming and viscous) to Morarji Desai (Orthodox conservative urine-drinking Hindu), no one is spared. Its about here that Sonia beings to acquire a sort of divine grace, and the whole family is shown to be the best thing that ever happened, and could happen to India.
The author manages to sugar coat Indira's worst years (Emergency, Operation Blue Star) and the subsequent riots of 1984 are quickly swept under the carpet. At this point, the book begins to sound like one long eulogy to the sacrifices of the Gandhi family, their trials and tribulations and their "sense of duty" to protect the country from "Hindu extremists like the RSS and the BJP". The author reserves nearly all of his venom for the Hindus, and soon goes from labelling RSS as extremist Hindus to all Hindus as extremists and vile. Sample this:
“Every minute that goes by, the slogan of the Hindus, “India shines”, seems even more ridiculous, as if the voters had uncovered the falseness of that over-confident propaganda, which left aside most of the people, those that are not to be seen in the cities, but who now take their revenge from the burning plains and the remote villages.”
AND
“With her historic gesture, Sonia Gandhi has reminded Hindus that the real strength of their nation lies in its tolerance, in its traditional openness towards others, in its belief that all religions form part of a search common to all of humanity to find the meaning of life.”
These are just some excerpts, the latter half of the book is one big "Sonia and India vs. the Hindus" story. The current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finds a place of prominence as "her bitterest rival". In 2002?? Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat then! The 2002 riots are described in detail, and a wholly one-sided version. At multiple instances, the author openly suggests that Sonia Gandhi, who by now has acquired a halo and two wings, is the ONLY person who can save India from "those Hindus". I guess he forgot that 80% of the Congress Party is Hindu too!
By the way, Rahul Gandhi also finds mention here, as the son who always wanted his mom to stay away from politics, and this:
“And to cap this day of triumph, the news comes that Rahul has been elected as MP for the constituency of Amethi, a worthy heir of his father.”
I wonder if the author feels the same way today:))
The last one hundred pages of the book are pure sycophancy, and unbearable really.
There are books that are fiction. There are books that are fact. And then, there are books like this that are a mixture of both. The issue is that it is difficult to know if this is fact with a dose of fiction, or fiction with a dose of fact. The former is acceptable. The latter is dangerous. When a lot of fiction and opinion is peppered with actual facts and life incidents, there lies the problem of taking whats presented as fact in totality. As would happen to many reading this book.
The Red Sari could have brought out the turbulent legacy of the Gandhis, complete with their grossest mistakes. Instead, the author ends up SPINNING A YARN.
PS: The two stars are ONLY because I loved the Indira bit.
The title claims this to be a dramatised biography of Sonia Gandhi...but it comes across more like a hagiography. More on that later.
The book starts well. Rajiv Gandhi's assassination opens the first few pages, and we are soon drawn into the life of the Gandhis. After devoting a few pages to the almost "Mills & Boon"-isque romance of Rajiv and Sonia, the author brings in arguably the most interesting character - Indira Gandhi. She captivates the imagination like no other, having led India through some of its most turbulent years. A lot of anecdotes in this section make it an interesting read. Sample this:
(on being informed by B.K.Nehru that President Lyndon B. Johnson had asked him how Indira would like to be addressed)
"Let him call me whatever he wants..." she said, and before her cousin had left the room she added, " You can also tell him that some of my ministers call me 'Sir'. If he likes, he can do that too"
Or this:
“Why doesn’t she tell me in person instead of writing me a note?” asked the Italian girl (Sonia Gandhi) on the verge of tears. “Mrs Gandhi finds it hard to express herself,” Usha answered, “she’s a rather introverted lady. But don’t worry about the letters, she also used to communicate like that with her husband and her father.”
The book races through the Indira Gandhi years, describing how she handled internal and external pressures, electoral compulsions and an increasingly united opposition. Here again, there are a lot of subtle, yet very engaging excerpts.
On a personal front too, the author manages to give us a detailed insight on the rise of Sanjay Gandhi and India's weakness for her much maligned son. Her closeness to Sonia, and her apprehensions about Menaka (Sanjay's wife), are dramatised well. At this point I could picture this as a well written Indian political soap, impossible to make now, but perhaps someday.
And then it happens.
Somewhere around the Eemergency, the author takes a marked turn...from being an interesting observer to becoming a staunch supporter. From then on, anyone named Gandhi is a saint and the rest are the vultures waiting to tear India to shreds. From Menaka ( described as loud, scheming and viscous) to Morarji Desai (Orthodox conservative urine-drinking Hindu), no one is spared. Its about here that Sonia beings to acquire a sort of divine grace, and the whole family is shown to be the best thing that ever happened, and could happen to India.
The author manages to sugar coat Indira's worst years (Emergency, Operation Blue Star) and the subsequent riots of 1984 are quickly swept under the carpet. At this point, the book begins to sound like one long eulogy to the sacrifices of the Gandhi family, their trials and tribulations and their "sense of duty" to protect the country from "Hindu extremists like the RSS and the BJP". The author reserves nearly all of his venom for the Hindus, and soon goes from labelling RSS as extremist Hindus to all Hindus as extremists and vile. Sample this:
“Every minute that goes by, the slogan of the Hindus, “India shines”, seems even more ridiculous, as if the voters had uncovered the falseness of that over-confident propaganda, which left aside most of the people, those that are not to be seen in the cities, but who now take their revenge from the burning plains and the remote villages.”
AND
“With her historic gesture, Sonia Gandhi has reminded Hindus that the real strength of their nation lies in its tolerance, in its traditional openness towards others, in its belief that all religions form part of a search common to all of humanity to find the meaning of life.”
These are just some excerpts, the latter half of the book is one big "Sonia and India vs. the Hindus" story. The current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finds a place of prominence as "her bitterest rival". In 2002?? Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat then! The 2002 riots are described in detail, and a wholly one-sided version. At multiple instances, the author openly suggests that Sonia Gandhi, who by now has acquired a halo and two wings, is the ONLY person who can save India from "those Hindus". I guess he forgot that 80% of the Congress Party is Hindu too!
By the way, Rahul Gandhi also finds mention here, as the son who always wanted his mom to stay away from politics, and this:
“And to cap this day of triumph, the news comes that Rahul has been elected as MP for the constituency of Amethi, a worthy heir of his father.”
I wonder if the author feels the same way today:))
The last one hundred pages of the book are pure sycophancy, and unbearable really.
There are books that are fiction. There are books that are fact. And then, there are books like this that are a mixture of both. The issue is that it is difficult to know if this is fact with a dose of fiction, or fiction with a dose of fact. The former is acceptable. The latter is dangerous. When a lot of fiction and opinion is peppered with actual facts and life incidents, there lies the problem of taking whats presented as fact in totality. As would happen to many reading this book.
The Red Sari could have brought out the turbulent legacy of the Gandhis, complete with their grossest mistakes. Instead, the author ends up SPINNING A YARN.
PS: The two stars are ONLY because I loved the Indira bit.
September 21, 2014
The Red Sari,
By Javier Moro,
Read September 12th 2014
This is the fictionalised biography of Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the Congress Political Party in India today. Mrs. Gandhi is suing the author, Javier Moro, for defamation in writing this book; it is banned in India. I happen to work in India and it is of particular interest to me. I admit the story and the details are fiction, however the core element of the book is real. Sonia Maino was a simple Italian teenager when she went to Cambridge to study English. There she met Rajiv Gandhi. She married Rajiv, came to India and lived in the extended family of Indira Gandhi (Prime Minister) and had two children. I thought this was an impressive book, a story of destiny and how Sonia Gandhi and her husband changed India. I enjoyed the glimpse into the world of the Gandhi family and the history lessons of India. I particularly read with great interest the references to Mr Modi, who is the present Prime Minister. I would recommend this book to readers of historical fiction as it is very well researched and cited. I award this book 5 stars.
By Javier Moro,
Read September 12th 2014
This is the fictionalised biography of Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the Congress Political Party in India today. Mrs. Gandhi is suing the author, Javier Moro, for defamation in writing this book; it is banned in India. I happen to work in India and it is of particular interest to me. I admit the story and the details are fiction, however the core element of the book is real. Sonia Maino was a simple Italian teenager when she went to Cambridge to study English. There she met Rajiv Gandhi. She married Rajiv, came to India and lived in the extended family of Indira Gandhi (Prime Minister) and had two children. I thought this was an impressive book, a story of destiny and how Sonia Gandhi and her husband changed India. I enjoyed the glimpse into the world of the Gandhi family and the history lessons of India. I particularly read with great interest the references to Mr Modi, who is the present Prime Minister. I would recommend this book to readers of historical fiction as it is very well researched and cited. I award this book 5 stars.
February 14, 2015
First things first, it is very difficult for me to understand, as to why did the Congress party object to this book. But now that they did, we the readers should probably thank them than anything else. I picked this book up with great expectations, to atleast tell me some hitherto unknown facet about the life of the protagonist, but sadly the book is a huge disappointment. I must confess that I am not really very familiar with the concept of 'fictional biography', but if it is a genre which over simplifies historical events to the extent of providing an alternate narrative which is overly kind to the so called 'first family', I dont think it is something I can appreciate well.
The book portrays the 'First Family' as some sort of benevolent royals who always had the best interests of the nation in their hearts but ended up taking wrong steps owing to political machinations of those around them. Whatever your political leaning, this book will insult your intelligence!
The book portrays the 'First Family' as some sort of benevolent royals who always had the best interests of the nation in their hearts but ended up taking wrong steps owing to political machinations of those around them. Whatever your political leaning, this book will insult your intelligence!
May 11, 2013
Sí, empezó siendo una lectura agradable, interesante y enganchante, sin embargo entre más avanzaba la historia más pesado era continuarla.
Me ha resultadodifícil terminarla. La fina línea de biografía novelizada llegó francamente a molestarme. Si bien tengo entendido Javier Moro no contó con la colaboración de la familia ni allegados a Sonia Gandhi para sustentar su historia, el aspecto de la novelización, después de tanto dato histórico tan detallado me chocó mucho y me hizo tedioso el final de la lectura.
Me ha resultadodifícil terminarla. La fina línea de biografía novelizada llegó francamente a molestarme. Si bien tengo entendido Javier Moro no contó con la colaboración de la familia ni allegados a Sonia Gandhi para sustentar su historia, el aspecto de la novelización, después de tanto dato histórico tan detallado me chocó mucho y me hizo tedioso el final de la lectura.
January 23, 2015
If you're not Indian and are interested in India's recent history (post-independence) and politics, then this book is a good introduction and a less boring way to do it than a history book would be. However, it is incredibly long and I felt uncomfortable with the many feelings given to the protagonists (Sonia Gandhi in particular) as well as the family scenes since they have mostly been purely imagined by the writer. The storyline is a lot based on these emotions, so in the end, it feels rather artificial and a little too much pathos. Worth a read if you're aware of and ready to go through those narrative excentricities.
October 10, 2021
Elegí leer este libro por curiosidad, aprender un poco más sobre la India, ese lejano y gran país del que tan poco sabemos, o al menos yo, sé muy poco de su política, costumbres y religión. Lo último que me esperaba es que además del gran aprendizaje que me deja me iba a encantar, entretener y emocionar. Me parece fascinante como ha podido contar una historia tan complicada de un modo tan sencillo, entretenido y fácil de comprender. Me quedo con ganas de descubrir más, todo lo que pueda de esta fabulosa familia, la familia Gandhi, y de la India en general. Lectura muy recomendable para todo el que le guste la historia y los personajes históricos.
September 6, 2017
A compelling read. Gives you an insight into the thoughts, emotions of the greats. A thought provoking read..
October 6, 2018
Fantastique. I don't understand why Sonia Gandhi is said to have sued the author, because it treats her story and that of her family in a very real, sympathetic and believable way.
September 12, 2024
Findos aproximadamente quatro meses de leitura entre viagens de comboio casa-trabalho, posso finalmente dizer que terminei esta interessantíssima viagem pelo cenário político pós Movimento de Independência da Índia.
Na perspetiva da família Nehru-Gandhi somos transportados para as dificuldades socioeconómicas, políticas e religiosas enfrentadas por uma Índia desde sempre fraturada pelos seus extremos - quer pelo conflito com o Paquistão e, consequentemente, o hinduísmo e o islamismo; pela extrema pobreza em grande parte do país a encerrar antítese com os mais poderosos e ricos de Nova Deli "os que regam a relva e os que penam por uma gota de água; os elevados níveis de corrupção e a escassez de recursos alimentares - quer pela falta de pluviosidade, quer pela densidade populacional da maior democracia do mundo, que piorara com a crise migratória na guerra do Paquistão.
Ler este livro, extenso, de facto, trouxe-me muito conhecimento sobre assuntos que nunca imaginara e que me deixaram curioso para saber mais ainda sobre este crisol cultural e religioso.
Inicia-se com um ritual fúnebre hindu de Rajiv Gandhi, assassinado por uma radical membro do membro separatista, Tigres de Libertação do Ceilão Tâmil - uma organização armada. Sonia Gandhi, recém-viúva, juntamente dos filhos, cumprem com o ritual segundo os devidos costumes. Somos, através deste momento transportados para a história de vida de Sonia - nascida em Orbassano, Itália, de humilde família e que em Cambridge se cruza com o seu futuro marido.
Esta apaixonante novela biográfica explora a vida desta jovem deste o momento em que cresce em Itália até ao momento em que se candidata como líder do Congresso Nacional Indiano - partido mais antigo do país.
Falar do Congresso Nacional é falar da mediática figura de Indira Gandhi - figura que até aos dias de hoje desconhecera e que considerei marcante. "A raposa" como lhe chamavam os americanos, tomou decisões em prol do país bastante polémicas. Vemos relatados o "The Emergency", período em que a liberdade civil foi anulada e Indira Gandhi conduziu um país sozinha, de modo bastante mordaz... Surpreendeu-me a sua relação com o seu filho Sanjay, o qual é relatado neste livro como uma figura inconsequente e imprudente. A grande promoção das vasectomias - e os abusos que aconteceram com alguns camponeses deixaram-me perplexo. Este período foi bastante negro para a Índia e também para o Congresso, pois pareceu-me ter sido uma forma de Indira se proteger de ser derrubada pelos seus radicais opositores. Os valores do Congresso, "Liberdade, Tolerância, Laicismo e unidade" foram neste período muito questionáveis.
Mais serviu este livro para me elucidar de que Mahatma Gandhi não era familiar da família Nehru-Gandhi, mas apenas amigo e colega político de Nehru e que o apelido Gandhi foi herdado por "empréstimo" pela família.
Recomendaria este livro para qualquer pessoa que tenha curiosidade sobre a história da democracia na Índia, de uma forma tendenciosamente mais agradável para a visão do Congresso Nacional. Para além disso, recomendo para qualquer pessoa que goste de ler sobre figuras femininas que marcaram a história mundial. Indira, na sua pessoa, marcou a Índia e a sua memória ainda está bem avivada no país que a viu nascer e a ser assassinada pelos seus guarda-costas Sikhs. Sonia no seu papel de humilde que casara com um membro da família mais influente da Índia e que, com todo o decurso de vida, se vê com o dever de cumprir o legado da mesma. Vemos a conversão de uma italiana em indiana: "Ser indiano consegue-se amando o país, comprometendo-se com ele e sendo forte para antepor os interesses da nação aos próprios interesses" .
4/5
Na perspetiva da família Nehru-Gandhi somos transportados para as dificuldades socioeconómicas, políticas e religiosas enfrentadas por uma Índia desde sempre fraturada pelos seus extremos - quer pelo conflito com o Paquistão e, consequentemente, o hinduísmo e o islamismo; pela extrema pobreza em grande parte do país a encerrar antítese com os mais poderosos e ricos de Nova Deli "os que regam a relva e os que penam por uma gota de água; os elevados níveis de corrupção e a escassez de recursos alimentares - quer pela falta de pluviosidade, quer pela densidade populacional da maior democracia do mundo, que piorara com a crise migratória na guerra do Paquistão.
Ler este livro, extenso, de facto, trouxe-me muito conhecimento sobre assuntos que nunca imaginara e que me deixaram curioso para saber mais ainda sobre este crisol cultural e religioso.
Inicia-se com um ritual fúnebre hindu de Rajiv Gandhi, assassinado por uma radical membro do membro separatista, Tigres de Libertação do Ceilão Tâmil - uma organização armada. Sonia Gandhi, recém-viúva, juntamente dos filhos, cumprem com o ritual segundo os devidos costumes. Somos, através deste momento transportados para a história de vida de Sonia - nascida em Orbassano, Itália, de humilde família e que em Cambridge se cruza com o seu futuro marido.
Esta apaixonante novela biográfica explora a vida desta jovem deste o momento em que cresce em Itália até ao momento em que se candidata como líder do Congresso Nacional Indiano - partido mais antigo do país.
Falar do Congresso Nacional é falar da mediática figura de Indira Gandhi - figura que até aos dias de hoje desconhecera e que considerei marcante. "A raposa" como lhe chamavam os americanos, tomou decisões em prol do país bastante polémicas. Vemos relatados o "The Emergency", período em que a liberdade civil foi anulada e Indira Gandhi conduziu um país sozinha, de modo bastante mordaz... Surpreendeu-me a sua relação com o seu filho Sanjay, o qual é relatado neste livro como uma figura inconsequente e imprudente. A grande promoção das vasectomias - e os abusos que aconteceram com alguns camponeses deixaram-me perplexo. Este período foi bastante negro para a Índia e também para o Congresso, pois pareceu-me ter sido uma forma de Indira se proteger de ser derrubada pelos seus radicais opositores. Os valores do Congresso, "Liberdade, Tolerância, Laicismo e unidade" foram neste período muito questionáveis.
Mais serviu este livro para me elucidar de que Mahatma Gandhi não era familiar da família Nehru-Gandhi, mas apenas amigo e colega político de Nehru e que o apelido Gandhi foi herdado por "empréstimo" pela família.
Recomendaria este livro para qualquer pessoa que tenha curiosidade sobre a história da democracia na Índia, de uma forma tendenciosamente mais agradável para a visão do Congresso Nacional. Para além disso, recomendo para qualquer pessoa que goste de ler sobre figuras femininas que marcaram a história mundial. Indira, na sua pessoa, marcou a Índia e a sua memória ainda está bem avivada no país que a viu nascer e a ser assassinada pelos seus guarda-costas Sikhs. Sonia no seu papel de humilde que casara com um membro da família mais influente da Índia e que, com todo o decurso de vida, se vê com o dever de cumprir o legado da mesma. Vemos a conversão de uma italiana em indiana: "Ser indiano consegue-se amando o país, comprometendo-se com ele e sendo forte para antepor os interesses da nação aos próprios interesses" .
4/5
September 23, 2021
3,5 estrellas.
Con mi ignorancia en política india no me di cuenta que el libro no era una novela, lo que al principio fue una decepción. Pero después de ir leyendo el libro (con wikipedia al lado para saber quién era quién, aunque es técnicamente un spoiler) es muy interesante ir conociendo la política y los cambios en India en el siglo XX que van sucediendo en los ojos de Sonia, la italiana que guía la historia y con un bagaje cultural mucho más parecido al mío.
La historia de los Nehru-Ghandi es fascinante y esta versión novelada de sus vidas, pero con gran investigación de primeras fuentes, es una excelente forma de aprender de dicha familia. Ahora bien, considerando que son personas reales, y políticos además, me pareció que era una versión muy "lavada" de sus miembros, a quienes en general no critica y cuándo lo hace les busca excusas para justificar sus fallas. Aunque es posible que efectivamente hayan sido así de buenas personas, la verdad es que es muy poco probable que todos sean tan desprendidos y entregados a la vocación pública. Lo habría entendido más si fuera un libro escrito comisionado por ellos, pero no me consta que sea el caso, porque, de nuevo, soy muy ignorante en el tema. Me recordó bastante a Yo soy Malala, donde es claro que ella hablará bien de sí misma y su familia, ocultando los aspectos menos favorables, con el objetivo de dar a conocer sus grandes aportes a la humanidad.
Con mi ignorancia en política india no me di cuenta que el libro no era una novela, lo que al principio fue una decepción. Pero después de ir leyendo el libro (con wikipedia al lado para saber quién era quién, aunque es técnicamente un spoiler) es muy interesante ir conociendo la política y los cambios en India en el siglo XX que van sucediendo en los ojos de Sonia, la italiana que guía la historia y con un bagaje cultural mucho más parecido al mío.
La historia de los Nehru-Ghandi es fascinante y esta versión novelada de sus vidas, pero con gran investigación de primeras fuentes, es una excelente forma de aprender de dicha familia. Ahora bien, considerando que son personas reales, y políticos además, me pareció que era una versión muy "lavada" de sus miembros, a quienes en general no critica y cuándo lo hace les busca excusas para justificar sus fallas. Aunque es posible que efectivamente hayan sido así de buenas personas, la verdad es que es muy poco probable que todos sean tan desprendidos y entregados a la vocación pública. Lo habría entendido más si fuera un libro escrito comisionado por ellos, pero no me consta que sea el caso, porque, de nuevo, soy muy ignorante en el tema. Me recordó bastante a Yo soy Malala, donde es claro que ella hablará bien de sí misma y su familia, ocultando los aspectos menos favorables, con el objetivo de dar a conocer sus grandes aportes a la humanidad.
October 8, 2024
Reseña completa: https://labrujalectora1.blogspot.com/...
Este libro me ha dejado una visión diferente de la India, es una biografía sincera y dramática de la vida de una extranjera en un país multicultural y religioso que no espere jamás leer.
Sonia Maino es una mujer sencilla y con grandes sueños de estudiar idiomas lejos de su natal Turín Italia. Sueños que logró. Lo que jamás pensó Sonia fue que también encontraría el amor de la mano de Rajiv Gandhi el hijo de la Indira Gandhi y que su vida se transformaría en un cuento de hadas.
Muy recomendado si te gusta las historias biográficas.
Este libro me ha dejado una visión diferente de la India, es una biografía sincera y dramática de la vida de una extranjera en un país multicultural y religioso que no espere jamás leer.
Sonia Maino es una mujer sencilla y con grandes sueños de estudiar idiomas lejos de su natal Turín Italia. Sueños que logró. Lo que jamás pensó Sonia fue que también encontraría el amor de la mano de Rajiv Gandhi el hijo de la Indira Gandhi y que su vida se transformaría en un cuento de hadas.
Muy recomendado si te gusta las historias biográficas.
June 23, 2021
One of the worst biographies, I have ever read!! It is in true sense, a hagiography. The book lacks both the depth of the characters and the bread of the issues covered. Except on the Bhopal tragedy, he whitewashed the Indira, Rajiv excesses by blaming it squarely on the third parties - Menaka, scheming congress sycophants etc. Also, there is a thread of propping up Priyanka for next PMial candidate running throughout the later chapters of the book (fishy). So I really wonder whether congress gave free advertisement (master technique) to this book by trying to ban it!!
February 7, 2022
Demasiado interesante para soltarlo!. Que historia! Que pais! Que forma de escribir.. y de transmitir!
May 14, 2020
Este libro lo encontré en una librería de segunda mano y como ya había leído A flor de piel de Javier Moro y me gustó mucho me lo traje a casa, y fue una buena decisión. El Sari rojo es una versión novelada de la vida de la familia Nerhu- Gandhi (no oficial) desde la independencia de la India, con dos mujeres que toman gran parte de la historia, Indira Gandhi y Sonia Gandhi. Como estamos hablando de una historia real ya sabemos de entrada cual ha sido la fortuna de esta familia y es que a veces la realidad supera a la ficción y la historia de esta familia es tremenda y desgarradora al mismo tiempo, el hilo de la historia se podría seguir desde que Sonia, una joven italiana, por amor entra a formar parte de esta emblemática familia, no sólo vemos su evolución en esta cultura, su sufrimiento, como se desenvuelve en ese mundo tan nuevo y contrario a su personalidad, sino que al rededor vemos todo el manejo político y a las personas que hay detrás de esos lideres y eso es tremendamente interesante.
No me imagino la labor titánica que debe ser dirigir un país como la India y en esta novela podemos ver todas esas luchas de poderes, de intereses, como afecta este poder a las personas y a las familias, los extremismos políticos, y es que la india es tan diversa, que es difícil imaginarse a este pueblo en toda su extensión, con sus religiones, sus castas, sus dioses y su desigualdad.
A pesar de saber el destino de las personas que nos presenta esta historia, me encontré sufriendo por las decisiones que tomaron y queriendo gritarles para que actuaran diferente; esta novela nos presenta a esta familia que es tan importante para la India en sus diferentes facetas, es muy interesante en su contenido histórico y esta narrada de una forma en que permite ver a los políticos, pero ante todo a esas personas que ante el peso de un legado lo asumen con buenas y malas decisiones en el proceso, una muy buena historia que permite conocer más de esa gran nación que es la India.
No me imagino la labor titánica que debe ser dirigir un país como la India y en esta novela podemos ver todas esas luchas de poderes, de intereses, como afecta este poder a las personas y a las familias, los extremismos políticos, y es que la india es tan diversa, que es difícil imaginarse a este pueblo en toda su extensión, con sus religiones, sus castas, sus dioses y su desigualdad.
A pesar de saber el destino de las personas que nos presenta esta historia, me encontré sufriendo por las decisiones que tomaron y queriendo gritarles para que actuaran diferente; esta novela nos presenta a esta familia que es tan importante para la India en sus diferentes facetas, es muy interesante en su contenido histórico y esta narrada de una forma en que permite ver a los políticos, pero ante todo a esas personas que ante el peso de un legado lo asumen con buenas y malas decisiones en el proceso, una muy buena historia que permite conocer más de esa gran nación que es la India.
August 30, 2021
Muy buen libro. Muy interesante la vida de la nuera Italiana de Indira Gandhi. Nos muestra toda la problematica de la epoca, como murio su suegra, como conocio a su esposo y lo que vivio al llegar al otro lado del mundo a una cultura totalmente diferente a la de ella.
May 6, 2024
What a story this tells!
Unfortunately, it doesn’t tell it very well. There’s no direct speech for one thing, the main character is retelling events but explaining seemingly important things in a single paragraph, while dwelling on others for a while.
The Macedonian edition is also not very good, full of typos and punctuation errors.
Overall, I like the idea behind this, but not how it was written. I was interested in what is next either way.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t tell it very well. There’s no direct speech for one thing, the main character is retelling events but explaining seemingly important things in a single paragraph, while dwelling on others for a while.
The Macedonian edition is also not very good, full of typos and punctuation errors.
Overall, I like the idea behind this, but not how it was written. I was interested in what is next either way.
January 28, 2013
Excelente libro. Como documento histórico es interesante y como novela es apasionante. Si la historia fuera de ficción, sería no creible, pero es una historia verdadera que de alguna manera nos ha llegado a través de los medios de comunicación, solo que aquí se cuenta con todos los detalles. Se podría decir que es la historia de la India en la segunda mitad del siglo XX: un país increíblemente complejo y lleno de contrastes. Pero sobre todo es la historia de dos mujeres: Indira y Sonia. Dos mujeres valientes y muy humanas; dos mujeres atrapadas en las redes del poder, ambas con cualidades inigualables, pero también con defectos, dudas, y equivocaciones. El libro atrapa desde el principio hasta el fin y tiene momentos verdaderamente intensos, que logran mantener la atención. Personajes cuidadosamente descritos logran quedarse en la memoria.
Interesante confrontar con lo que se puede ver en internet: videos de los personajes que ya fallecieron y de los que aún viven, muy especialmente de Sonia y de Maneka, artículos de periódicos y revistas, fotografías.
Muy recomendado.
Interesante confrontar con lo que se puede ver en internet: videos de los personajes que ya fallecieron y de los que aún viven, muy especialmente de Sonia y de Maneka, artículos de periódicos y revistas, fotografías.
Muy recomendado.
February 7, 2022
Novela que transmite la vida que palpita en la sociedad hindú, con sus más y sus menos. Ofrece un acercamiento a la cultura sociopolítica contemporánea de India, un país vasto y fascinante, a través de la biografía dramatizada de Sonia Gandhi, que tiene una historia tan magnífica como excepcional.
__________
Novel that conveys the life that throbs in Hindu society, with its pluses and minuses. It offers an approach to the contemporary socio-political culture of India, a vast and fascinating country, through the dramatized biography of Sonia Gandhi, who has a story as magnificent as it is exceptional.
__________
Novel that conveys the life that throbs in Hindu society, with its pluses and minuses. It offers an approach to the contemporary socio-political culture of India, a vast and fascinating country, through the dramatized biography of Sonia Gandhi, who has a story as magnificent as it is exceptional.
July 2, 2016
В книгата има рядък баланс между художественост и документалност. Повествованието понякога върв�� скучно, но като че ли това не ощетява мъдростта, разбирането, с които са описани съдбите на Индия и нейните ръководители. За мен нямаше главен герой, нямаше и симпатии към някои от образите... и въпреки това мисля, че прочетох една емоционална и силна история.
July 27, 2023
Interesante a medias. Se me ha hecho muy pesado. Le sobran páginas.
July 26, 2024
Un excelente libro, además de ser una novela (¿romántica?) es un texto que retrata de forma acertada la historia de la India en los últimos 100 años.
Política, amores prohibidos, pobreza, patriotismo y un largo etc… que cautivarán a toda persona que lea este escrito.
Una de mis frases favoritas: “(…) el perdón no es señal de debilidad, sino de fuerza. Es una manera de liberarse, de encontrar la paz.”
Política, amores prohibidos, pobreza, patriotismo y un largo etc… que cautivarán a toda persona que lea este escrito.
Una de mis frases favoritas: “(…) el perdón no es señal de debilidad, sino de fuerza. Es una manera de liberarse, de encontrar la paz.”
September 26, 2025
Me pareció un libro interesante, especialmente porque después de haber conocido la India pude comprender mejor muchas de las situaciones que describe. Sin embargo, confieso que al inicio me costó trabajo avanzar y hubo un momento en el que me quedé estancada antes de retomarlo. Es un texto histórico, aunque novelizado, por lo que no todos los hechos se presentan con exactitud. Aun así, ofrece una visión de una etapa relevante de la historia reciente de la India
November 20, 2017
Not bad at all! If one can look over the dramatised( and slightly amateurish) nature of the commentary, this is a well researched & documented telling of contemporary history- Quite unbiased & objective. Gives an insight into the life of the Family as also a empathetic look to them.
Does good to read the events of the near past in a cohesive narrative!
Does good to read the events of the near past in a cohesive narrative!
June 10, 2017
L'histoire de l'Inde et de la dynastie Nehru-Gandhi est vraiment passionnante. Par contre, ce livre dense est très lent et sa forme de biographie romancée laisse toujours place au doute quant à la véracité de ce qui y est raconté. Il m'a donné envie d'en découvrir davantage mais je ne suis pas mécontente de l'avoir fini !
September 3, 2017
Este libro, me ha hecho conocer un poco más, de ese país tan fascinante como es la india
January 6, 2025
Una excelente narrativa de una historia impresionante, da una imagen de un pais fascinante con una política convulsa. Atrapa desde el principio, muy recomendado
August 25, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars -- Engrossing and well documented epic of the Nehru-Gandhi Dynasty
Although a novel, this story of the Nehru-Gandhi family and their dominance of India's fledgling democratic nation as leaders of the Congress Party, is told from the point of view of Sonia Gandhi as she witnesses tumultuous events in history from the vantage point of marrying into the political powerhouse and being the daughter-in-law of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In an almost continuous "reign" with only a few misses, Mahatma Gandhi's ideology lives on through the decades as his friend Nehru and Nehru's daughter, Indira, her sons Sangay and Rajiv, and ultimately her daughter-in law passionately steer India into the 21st century and beyond. With the goal of independence through non-violence, the family firmly believes in the three pillars of India -- "democracy, secularism and the rule of law." They must contend with all manner of challenges to their philosophy as religious nationalism and communism threaten to divide the nation and lead to unending civil war.
Since India is a nation of many cultures, languages and religions, it proves a daunting task of the family to unite the country and achieve common goals for the good of all the people. Unrest and corrupt government practices threaten the stability of the fragile new nation and the Gandhi family struggles to remain true to the original values of "integrity, tolerance, contempt for money, and the cult of service to others." Of particular interest are the poorest people.
The transformation of Sonia Maino Gandhi from shy Italian schoolgirl to powerful Indian politician is filled with sacrifice and deep personal pain as she faced the fanatically motivated assassinations of her mother-in-law and her husband. Resisting entry into public life and deeply private, Sonia must make a decision that puts her own dreams aside to choose what is best for the nation. In a country with more differences than similarities, Sonia -- as did Indira and then Rajiv -- must try to find solutions to problems faced by those who seek power to maintain the status quo and to circumvent the democratic process or others who encourage rebellion. Blood is shed in the name of religion as the Hindu and Moslem citizens persecute each other. It's a time of huge political upheaval and strife and the actions taken by Indira, Rajiv and others take Sonia to a position she never wanted. Sonia witnesses the toll of political life on those she loves, but is reminded again and again that she did not choose her life, it chose her.
I enjoyed this fascinating glimpse into the world of the Gandhi family and the history lessons of India. The author writes an extremely graphic picture of India, its inhabitants, and the land itself. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction as this was very well researched and cited though the author was unable to talk with any member of the family. I'll definitely investigate some of the additional works included in the bibliography.
Thank you to NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media for the e-book ARC to review.
Although a novel, this story of the Nehru-Gandhi family and their dominance of India's fledgling democratic nation as leaders of the Congress Party, is told from the point of view of Sonia Gandhi as she witnesses tumultuous events in history from the vantage point of marrying into the political powerhouse and being the daughter-in-law of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In an almost continuous "reign" with only a few misses, Mahatma Gandhi's ideology lives on through the decades as his friend Nehru and Nehru's daughter, Indira, her sons Sangay and Rajiv, and ultimately her daughter-in law passionately steer India into the 21st century and beyond. With the goal of independence through non-violence, the family firmly believes in the three pillars of India -- "democracy, secularism and the rule of law." They must contend with all manner of challenges to their philosophy as religious nationalism and communism threaten to divide the nation and lead to unending civil war.
Since India is a nation of many cultures, languages and religions, it proves a daunting task of the family to unite the country and achieve common goals for the good of all the people. Unrest and corrupt government practices threaten the stability of the fragile new nation and the Gandhi family struggles to remain true to the original values of "integrity, tolerance, contempt for money, and the cult of service to others." Of particular interest are the poorest people.
The transformation of Sonia Maino Gandhi from shy Italian schoolgirl to powerful Indian politician is filled with sacrifice and deep personal pain as she faced the fanatically motivated assassinations of her mother-in-law and her husband. Resisting entry into public life and deeply private, Sonia must make a decision that puts her own dreams aside to choose what is best for the nation. In a country with more differences than similarities, Sonia -- as did Indira and then Rajiv -- must try to find solutions to problems faced by those who seek power to maintain the status quo and to circumvent the democratic process or others who encourage rebellion. Blood is shed in the name of religion as the Hindu and Moslem citizens persecute each other. It's a time of huge political upheaval and strife and the actions taken by Indira, Rajiv and others take Sonia to a position she never wanted. Sonia witnesses the toll of political life on those she loves, but is reminded again and again that she did not choose her life, it chose her.
I enjoyed this fascinating glimpse into the world of the Gandhi family and the history lessons of India. The author writes an extremely graphic picture of India, its inhabitants, and the land itself. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction as this was very well researched and cited though the author was unable to talk with any member of the family. I'll definitely investigate some of the additional works included in the bibliography.
Thank you to NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media for the e-book ARC to review.
May 16, 2011
Keď som začala čítať túto knihu, myslela som si, že je to príbeh Sonie Gándhíovej. Aspoň tak to vyplývalo z anotácie na prebale. Áno, táto kniha začína ako rozprávanie o mladom talianskom dievčati, postupne však prerastá do spletitého rozprávania o osude členov Néhrú-Gándhíovskej dynastie, ako ich autor často nazýva. Červené sárí je rozprávaním o rôznorodosti , kultúre, tradíciách a obyvateľoch Indie. Ale aj o tragédiách, ktoré Sonii a jej rodine prináša politika a verejný život.
Mojej romantickej duši sa veľmi páčili časti knihy, ktoré opisujú zrod lásky medzi Soniou a Radžívom. Všetky prekážky, ktoré musia prekonať, aby sa ich rodiny zmierili s ich láskou. State obšírne rozoberajúce politiku ma zväčša nudili, aj keď chápem, že boli potrebné k pochopeniu niektorých situácií. Okrem politiky a lásky sú v knihe veľmi pravdivo a zaujímavo opísané charaktery ľudí, ich správanie a hraničné situácie, do ktorých človeka môže dohnať zloba, nenávisť a závisť.
Červené sárí nie je kniha, ktorá vás bude nútiť obracať stránku za stránkou, pretože sa už neviete dočkať čo sa udeje ďalej. Ide skôr o pomalšie čítanie, ktoré dáva priestor na premýšľanie. Je to jednoznačne zaujímavé čítanie a myslím, že si od Javiera Mora ešte určite niečo prečítam. Možno by môj zážitok bol býval ešte lepší, keby táto slovenská verzia nebola plná preklepov a miestami aj gramatických chýb. Viem však, že to nie je chybou autora a preto si myslím, že kniha bude pútavým čítaním nielen pre milovníkov a obdivovateľov Indie, napokon ani ja k nim nepatrím a čítanie tejto knihy som si naozaj užila.
Mojej romantickej duši sa veľmi páčili časti knihy, ktoré opisujú zrod lásky medzi Soniou a Radžívom. Všetky prekážky, ktoré musia prekonať, aby sa ich rodiny zmierili s ich láskou. State obšírne rozoberajúce politiku ma zväčša nudili, aj keď chápem, že boli potrebné k pochopeniu niektorých situácií. Okrem politiky a lásky sú v knihe veľmi pravdivo a zaujímavo opísané charaktery ľudí, ich správanie a hraničné situácie, do ktorých človeka môže dohnať zloba, nenávisť a závisť.
Červené sárí nie je kniha, ktorá vás bude nútiť obracať stránku za stránkou, pretože sa už neviete dočkať čo sa udeje ďalej. Ide skôr o pomalšie čítanie, ktoré dáva priestor na premýšľanie. Je to jednoznačne zaujímavé čítanie a myslím, že si od Javiera Mora ešte určite niečo prečítam. Možno by môj zážitok bol býval ešte lepší, keby táto slovenská verzia nebola plná preklepov a miestami aj gramatických chýb. Viem však, že to nie je chybou autora a preto si myslím, že kniha bude pútavým čítaním nielen pre milovníkov a obdivovateľov Indie, napokon ani ja k nim nepatrím a čítanie tejto knihy som si naozaj užila.
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