The Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok was abuzz with intellectual energy last night as literature enthusiasts gathered for the "Authors' Talk: English Writings from a Living Delta". The event, presented by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Bangkok, featured Bangladeshi authors Saad Z. Hossain and M.K. Aaref in a lively discussion moderated by writer-producer Su Ching Teh.

The evening offered a deep dive into contemporary Bangladeshi literature in the English language.

The library welcomed a diverse audience, some of whom embraced the suggested dress code of yellow or floral attire to mark the arrival of spring in Bangladesh.

Saad Z. Hossain, a Dhaka-based author acclaimed for his works blending mythology, dystopian science fiction, climate change themes, and satire, captivated the audience with insights into his creative process. His novels, including Escape from Baghdad, Djinn City, and Kundo Wakes Up, have not only gained international recognition but have also been translated into several languages, including French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Czech. Hossain was recently named a 2024 Fall Fellow at the University of Iowa's International Writing Program.

Sharing the stage with Hossain was M.K. Aaref, a Toronto-based writer with roots in Bangladesh. Aaref, originally trained as an architect, described his enduring passion for storytelling, which began in his school days and evolved into a lifelong pursuit. His short stories often explore the intersections of history, culture, and human identity. He was an active member of Bangladesh's Writers Block and a key organizer of the Hay Festival Dhaka, which later became the Dhaka Lit Fest.

Moderating the conversation was Su Ching Teh, a writer-producer with a portfolio that includes projects for Audible, Netflix, and HBO. Teh guided the discussion with thought-provoking questions that prompted the authors to reveal the inspirations behind their writing.