Jan 23: Makaibari Bungalow at Taj Bengal played host to an intimate and intellectually rich session as part of the Kolkata Literary Meet, bringing together literature enthusiasts, cultural voices, and discerning readers for a thoughtful author session on January 21 2026.

The evening featured acclaimed British author Geoff Dyer in conversation with writer and literary commentator Debanjan Chakrabarti, centred around Dyer’s celebrated work Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi. Set against the serene and heritage-rich ambience of Makaibari Bungalow, the session offered a nuanced exploration of memory, travel, loss, and cultural dissonance, key themes that define the book.

The event began with a refined High-Tea, allowing guests to ease into conversations before transitioning into the author session. The discussion unfolded as an engaging exchange, with Dyer reflecting on the contrasts between Venice and Varanasi, the fluidity between fiction and lived experience, and the deeper emotional undercurrents that shape his narrative voice. Debanjan Chakrabarti guided the conversation with insight and warmth, drawing out layered interpretations and contextual reflections that resonated strongly with the audience.

The session witnessed an attentive and engaged gathering, with audience members participating actively during the interaction, offering questions and reflections that added further depth to the dialogue. The setting of Makaibari Bungalow, known for its cultural legacy and understated elegance, provided a fitting backdrop to an evening rooted in literary contemplation and exchange.

The session at Makaibari Bungalow stood as a testament to the power of literature to bridge geographies, emotions, and lived realities through conversation and community.

The evening concluded on a reflective note, leaving attendees enriched and inspired, an experience that underscored Kolkata’s enduring relationship with literature, ideas, and thoughtful discourse.