A review by kathywadolowski
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

challenging dark emotional reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

This book didn't remind me of anything I'd read previously, which imo is one of the highest compliments you can give a book these days. "Martyr" feels totally original and really fresh, and though the plot doesn't necessarily race I think it works given the contemplative subject matter.

Much has also been said about Akbar's beautiful writing, and I'm happy to say it's all true—the prose is so lyrical and almost dreamy, and just leaps off the page and propels you forward through the story.

Don't go into this one with any expectations, and I think it'll blow you away.