A review by bookobsessedmommy
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I would put this book under "it's complicated" in the dictionary. I didn't think a book called martyr would be light, but I was expecting the sort of intricate and twisted darkness that I found. There are so many thought provoking questions that I want to read it again, but the melancholy tone is overwhelming. With discussions of suicide, war, grief, and substance abuse, this book is a lot. That said, if your in a mental space where you can withstand the torrent of sadness, I think it's worth reading.
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