People ChangeOne of our recent Star reads, Sara Jafari’s People Change is one of those remarkable novels that leaves you thinking about it long after you’ve turned the last page. 

At once a deeply personal story of love, regrets and “what ifs”, and wide-reachingly resonant in how it shines a light on racism, cancel culture, and the weaponisation of ideas around freedom of speech, it’s engaging, thought-provoking and comes thoroughly recommended as a novel to delve into at your book club. With that in mind, here are some questions to get your discussions going. 

If you want more ideas for meaty books to discuss, explore our Book Club Chat series, and our book club recommendations category.

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1. Discuss the title. Do people really truly change? Is this borne out by the novel? 

2. Now discuss the title in relation to these excerpts: 

“Shirin wants to think Rob hasn’t changed since school, but that wouldn’t be true. He is more overt in his racist views now.”

“She is wondering whether the publishing industry is any different from being at school”.

What does the novel reveal about the dreams we have as teenagers, and how they are, or aren’t, fulfilled? How does this connect back to the title?

3. “Diverse, inclusive publishing also means publishing people whose opinions you may not agree with. That is the true definition of diversity.”

Do you agree? Is it right that the publisher Shiran works for took on Rob’s book? Is it right he was paid a seven-figure advance for his book? Were the employees right to stage a protest?

4. “As an adult Shirin can see clearly the power that certain white men have. That they can rise the ranks, no matter their views, that they can stand there and say freedom of speech is more important than treating people fairly and with respect.” Do Sirin’s words resonate with you? Discuss the issues around freedom of speech arguments.

5. “Phoebe keeps telling me I should see the funny side.” What does this reveal about attitudes to racism?

6. Kian’s guilt “sits heavy in his chest”. “Spinning around in his head was the thought that maybe if he had defended himself properly, instead of being so weak his brother wouldn’t have had to step up.” Can you understand Kian’s guilt? Is he correct?

7. What did you think of the tone of writing? How would you describe the author’s style?

8. What did you take from reading People Change? How did it affect you? Did it change the way you think about anything? Would you recommend People Change?