The story follows Cyrus Shams – a newly sober poet and orphaned son of Iranian immigrants – as he embarks on a journey to understand his past. Haunted by the violent circumstances surrounding his mother’s death and his father’s life of hardship in America, Cyrus is drawn into an obsession with martyrs and the weight of inherited trauma. His search leads him to a dying painter in the Brooklyn Museum and a painting that suggests his mother may not have been who she seemed. Through art, poetry, and self-destruction, Cyrus wrestles with the ghosts of his past in an attempt to piece together his identity.
Akbar’s writing is electric, blending poetic lyricism with emotion. His background as a poet is evident in the novel’s prose, which transforms even the darkest themes into something beautiful and contemplative. The novel explores questions about faith, addiction, and legacy, all while maintaining a sharp wit and a sense of humanity.
The novel’s structure and narrative style may not be for everyone, as it leans heavily into stream of consciousness and philosophical musings. However, for readers who enjoy literary fiction that challenges and provokes, Martyr! is a rewarding experience. The blend of personal history with larger existential themes is effective.
A bold debut, Martyr! marks Kaveh Akbar as a vital new voice in contemporary fiction.
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