How do we make meaning from the histories we inherit?

A three-session Humanities Unbound reading and discussion series with Humanities New York and Just Buffalo Literary Center

Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar, Just Buffalo’s selection for this season’s BABEL series, follows Cyrus Shams, an Iranian American poet whose search for meaning takes him through family history, addiction, faith, art, and questions about martyrdom. As Cyrus works on his Book of Martyrs project and tries to understand the people and histories that shaped him, the novel raises questions about memory, belonging, loss, and the ways the past continues to shape us.

Across three conversations, participants will return to the novel and give its questions time to develop. We’ll read closely and consider different interpretations. We’ll also explore how the stories and histories we inherit influence the ways we understand ourselves and one another. The series leads into Akbar’s November 19th BABEL appearance, giving participants an opportunity to spend sustained time with Martyr! before hearing from its author.

Mondays, November 2, 9, and 16, 2026
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Just Buffalo Literary Center
468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203

Advance registration required with Just Buffalo Literary Center. Space is limited to 15 participants. Complimentary copies of Martyr! will be provided to registered participants.