A review by heathero621
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Cyrus is an Iranian immigrant who came to the US with his dad after his mother died after her plane was accidentally shot down by the US.  Cyrus is now in college and is reflecting on his life and wants to write a book on Martyrs.  He meets this woman performance artist that is doing a piece at the museum and going to talk to her becomes a big part of his life.  I enjoyed the novel.  I think that the first third and last third were the best parts.  I felt like it dragged a bit in the middle.  The ending was not at all expected and I was really happy with how it worked out.