Martyr! A novel

A very great book, well-written, the plot is great, everything is great. Wouldn’t recommend for those sensitive to topics of addiction tho as it is quite descriptive and elaborative on this regard.

This is one of those books that make you reflect on life’s biggest questions; life, death, love and art. You can feel the fact that the author is a poet in every sentence, the prose is beautiful and almost lyrical. The characters are so raw, real and utterly compelling, leaving a lasting impression. I already feel the urge to revisit this book with a highlighter in hand for annotations.

In Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar, young Cyrus searches for his identity while navigating a labyrinth of memories, cultural heritage, and existential questions. Along his journey, he encounters the key figures who have shaped his life, their stories intricately intertwined with his own. Akbar masterfully weaves together the voices of those who have influenced Cyrus, offering a multifaceted exploration of death from various perspectives. This poetic fusion of narratives creates a profound mosaic of loss, faith, and belonging. However, the constant shifts between short chapters and different characters make it initially difficult to find a reading rhythm—but those who persist will be rewarded with a uniquely moving storytelling experience.