Freilich Book Club November 2026

Join us for the November gathering of the Freilich Book Club, previously known as “Beyond the Book” Book Club. This group is for you if you love reading and want to go deeper into some of the social questions you encounter when you read. We welcome the perspectives of all readers, particularly those working in related policy and research areas or engaged in activism on the given topic. We seek a range of voices and experiences in the room to help promote deeper thinking and a respectful exchange of views and opinion - prompted by a book or books. Participation is free: all welcome. Each session is freestanding: there is no need to have attended earlier sessions. The discussion will be introduced and guided by ANU English lecturer Dr Bridget Vincent, a specialist in literature and ethics. This event is an activity of the Freilich Project for the Study of Bigotry, an ANU research and public engagement program. The November session will focus on Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. Wise, often funny, sometimes heartbreaking, Persepolis tells the story of Marjane Satrapi's life in Tehran from the ages of six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken child of radical Marxists, and the great-grandaughter of Iran's last emperor, Satrapi bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country. Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. Copies of the book are available through The Book Cow (mention the book club or use the checkout code BEYONDBOOKCLUB at check out to get a 10% discount). We look forward to seeing you!