Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
Long Description
Martyr! is the highly anticipated debut novel by Kaveh Akbar, an acclaimed poet known for his lyrical and introspective writing. This novel is a deeply moving exploration of faith, addiction, belonging, and the search for meaning in an often chaotic world.
The story follows Cyrus Shams, an Iranian-American man struggling to reconcile his past with his present. Orphaned at a young age and haunted by the specter of his parents, Cyrus grows up feeling disconnected from both his Iranian heritage and the American culture he inhabits. His life is marked by a deep fascination with martyrs those who give their lives for a cause leading him on a profound and often painful journey of self-discovery.
As Cyrus navigates his turbulent emotions, addiction, and longing for something greater, he becomes entangled with a cast of unforgettable characters, each dealing with their own struggles and desires. Through his relationships, encounters, and reflections, Cyrus attempts to make sense of his identity, his faith, and what it truly means to sacrifice oneself for something bigger than the self.
Akbar's poetic sensibilities shine through in his evocative, lyrical prose, making Martyr! a powerful, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
What You’ll Discover in This Book
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An Exploration of Faith and Identity – A deeply personal look at what it means to belong, to search for meaning, and to wrestle with cultural and spiritual identity.
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Addiction and Recovery – A raw, honest portrayal of self-destruction, redemption, and the difficult road to healing.
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Philosophy of Martyrdom – A fascinating dive into the historical, religious, and philosophical aspects of martyrdom and its influence on personal and collective consciousness.
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A Lyrical, Poetic Narrative – Akbar’s background as a poet gives the novel a uniquely beautiful, rhythmical quality, making every sentence impactful.
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A Deeply Human Story – At its heart, Martyr! is a book about love, loss, and the search for purpose in an uncertain world.
Why You Should Read This Book
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Poetic and Powerful Prose – Akbar’s writing is rich, moving, and unforgettable.
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Deeply Emotional and Thought-Provoking – The novel grapples with universal questions about life, death, and meaning.
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A Unique Perspective on the Immigrant Experience – A compelling look at Iranian-American identity, assimilation, and the complexities of cultural heritage.
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A New Voice in Literary Fiction – As a celebrated poet, Akbar’s transition to fiction brings a fresh, lyrical perspective to contemporary storytelling.
Memorable Quote from Martyr!
"To be a martyr is to surrender yourself completely—to an idea, a cause, or even a person. But what happens when you're unsure what you're surrendering to?"
Book Details
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Title: Martyr!
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Author: Kaveh Akbar
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ISBN: 9780525655777
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Publisher: Knopf
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Published Year: 2024
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Number of Pages: 336
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Binding: Paperback
Physical Store Location:
Colombo 6, Wellawatte – 180 W.A. Silva Mawatha
Martyr! is a stunning, deeply introspective novel that asks profound questions about identity, sacrifice, and what it truly means to live with purpose. A must-read for those who appreciate beautifully crafted, thought-provoking literary fiction.
