In his stunning debut novel Lonely People Meet, Sayantan Ghosh—editorial director at Simon & Schuster India—delivers a deeply moving and mind-bending exploration of love, identity, and the cost of connection in a world increasingly shaped by technology and illusion.

Set against the bustling backdrop of Delhi, Lonely People Meet follows Karno, an aspiring novelist balancing two jobs—editing and working in a quaint bookstore—whose chance meeting with the enigmatic Devaki sparks an idyllic romance. From languid afternoons in Lodi Gardens to whispered conversations in Madras Coffee House, their love story seems fated. But when a mysterious organization confronts Karno with shocking revelations about Devaki’s identity, his world begins to unravel.

As Karno is drawn into a shadowy realm where lives can be rented and memories altered, he is forced to confront a painful question: What if the perfect love you experienced was never real?

Blending speculative fiction with emotional depth, Lonely People Meet is both a tender love story and a chilling commentary on the commodification of human connection. Ghosh’s writing is atmospheric, elegant, and deeply philosophical, offering readers a novel that lingers long after the final page.

Early praise for Lonely People Meet:

“A gorgeous, mind-bending, speculative thriller about love, identity, and the price of connection in a world where everything and everyone can be manipulated by Big Tech.” – Meena Kandasamy

“A truly unusual love story, tender and troubling at once, set in a world slipping from recognition.” – Prayaag Akbar

“Eloquent on what draws us together as well as what we inevitably cast aside…” – Amit Chaudhuri

About the author:
Sayantan Ghosh was born in Calcutta and is one of the most influential voices in Indian publishing today. His writing has appeared in renowned publications including Ambit Magazine, Electric Literature, The Quint, and The Telegraph. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Publishing Next Industry Awards. Lonely People Meet marks his literary debut.