In the Times of India Priyanka Dasgupta finds that in Kolkata (Calcutta) We read books but don't buy them, as:
Kolkata loves books, talks books, but doesn't buy enough. That's the irony that most publishers and even authors have had to come to terms with today.I'm not sure what 'enough' means ... and this also seems a problem largely limited to English-language books, which in turn means it is largely an issue of (over-)pricing:
Bengali literature sells well here. But when it comes to leisure reading where books are priced above Rs 400, people think twice before buying. In contrast, the easy availability of Bengali literature at much cheaper prices makes Kolkata a big patron in that sectorObviously, English-language books are sold at premium prices -- with the general English-speaking readership in India more likely to have the available disposable income and thus willing/eager to accept these premium prices. Good for the Bengalis for not playing along.