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A review by holaspis
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What comes from a life that has been defined by death on its every stage?
Ali Shari'ati once compared martyrdom in Christianity and Islam by pointing out the etymological link between martyr and mortal, taking from there that Christian martyrdom is first and foremost about the death itself, while shahādat in the basic etymology is bearing witness, so the impact is placed on the truth one is dying for rather than the act of dying.
But in the end it's still death.
yes, I've written a grade paper on his philosophy. Yes, because of that I might have enjoyed Martyr! significantly more than if I hadn't had that background, however, even though it's one of the books that want to have several conversations with you running parallel at all time, the author is mostly straightworward with the points he wants to make, and, surprisingly for this day and age, quite aware that even the "correct" set of views comes with its own set of biases.
I need to mention: it may not be a safe read from someone suffering from suicidal ideations, though I felt understood for once.
Ali Shari'ati once compared martyrdom in Christianity and Islam by pointing out the etymological link between martyr and mortal, taking from there that Christian martyrdom is first and foremost about the death itself, while shahādat in the basic etymology is bearing witness, so the impact is placed on the truth one is dying for rather than the act of dying.
But in the end it's still death.
yes, I've written a grade paper on his philosophy. Yes, because of that I might have enjoyed Martyr! significantly more than if I hadn't had that background, however, even though it's one of the books that want to have several conversations with you running parallel at all time, the author is mostly straightworward with the points he wants to make, and, surprisingly for this day and age, quite aware that even the "correct" set of views comes with its own set of biases.
I need to mention: it may not be a safe read from someone suffering from suicidal ideations, though I felt understood for once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Grief
Moderate: Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Abandonment, War
Minor: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Suicide