Such is the verdict of Raveti Laul at NDTV after attending the 13th annual Delhi Book Fair over the weekend. His gripes are that of a so-called serious reader, because while the Fair still an event for families and those who want to spend a day amidst books, Laul moans that “discerning readers find themselves wondering what’s there for them in the fair.”
There are over 200 stalls and as many publishing houses. Still there is no more variety on offer than what one finds in any upmarket bookstore in the city. Since this is the 13th Delhi book fair, serious readers are saying “it’s very predictable fare, nothing you don’t get at a bookshop.” Then again, even the publishing industry says its focus is not the serious reader. “This is an opportunity to network and attract buyers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to buy books for their countries. We are not looking at the serious reader,” said Sudhir Malhotra, Director, Orient Paperbacks. Well no, it’s meant for the trade – and really, is that so bad?