Two Alone, Two Together: Letters Between Indira Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru 1940-1964

by Sonia Gandhi (Editor)

Such a fusion of the public and private worlds confers on these letters a distinctive quality. Sonia Gandhi Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter Indira Gandhi were eloquent and prolific letter writers. The letters in this volume, selected from the extensive correspondence between the two over more than forty years, are like conversation on paper but more revealing , as Sonia Gandhi observes. Intimate, articulate and unreserved, they provide illuminating new insights into the character and personality of two of the most towering figures of modern India. Remarkable for their honesty, sensitivity and humour, and replete with vivid descriptions of major personalities and events of their times, the letters chart Indira Gandhi s development from a shy, frail schoolgirl into a charismatic political leader; they reflect the love of nature and books that father and daughter shared, and reveal their candid views on a variety of subjects, ranging from family and friends to issues of political and national importance. Above all, this volume reflects the depth and tenderness of the relationship between Jawaharlal and Indira, and the formidable moral and physical courage that was the hallmark of both personalities.

Genres: India

496 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Andy Reddy]

Touching and tender exchange of affection between daughter and father - both extremely erudite , patriotic yet just another young daughter and her father around the time Kamala Nehru's health was sinking and was to pass away soon .

[Amit Acharya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a superb collection of letters ( 535 phew!!)between father & daughter spanning 4 decades revealing tender & intimate moments.Its really conversation on paper as Sonia Gandhi aptly mentions in the back cover. Simply mesmerized by level of erudition, eloquence , insights into human character, philosophical musings & lastly the flawless english of the letters.It shows how mind of tender Indira was moulded by his titan father with the choice of eclectic books which stood in good stead in her future political career. The effect of the book is lingering & i plan to browse through it - specially the prison letters-to get a real hang of it. Must read for literature & history buffs.

[Kunal Jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read to understand the mind of young Indira and to experience her father's graceful penmanship.