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A review by khopeisz
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
4.25
A reflection in incoherent chunks:
I’m not sure if there are truly loose ends or if I just fell in love with each complicated, endearing character that I was greedy to hear more from them by the book’s end. I like books to end somewhat neatly in relation to its subject, and it will take a second read for me to determine whether this is the case for Martyr!
The language of the book was well done, however, there were times where I would read a sentence and go “did we really NEED that simile” lol. For example, what does “like a gold ring dropping into a bowl of milk” actually ‘mean’? Why not a ring slipping from a finger into a pond, where I understand the delicacy of the imagery and also the realism. When would a ring drop into milk? And would it, with regard to physics, not drop in delicately but with a big PLUNK? There were just a few similes that had me scratching my head like this lol, but they’re mostly in the first half of the book.
The dream sequences were my favorites. I particularly liked Roya and Lisa Simpson’s scene as well as the scene featuring Kareemy (my affectionate nickname for Kareem Abdul-Jabar, who I’m sure would love this book).
The plot of this book was so incredulous I was reading it both engaged and like “something like this could only ever happen in a book omg.” Did not take away from my enjoyment however.
Speaking of this, I felt that Cyrus’s present timeline contained too many coincidences. For example, I would have liked more scenes of Cyrus trying and failing at his poetry project prior to discovering Okideh. That he just immediately settles on Okideh, especially considering who she is, was just too neat.
Got misty-eyed a few times!
I do have one major complaint which is a spoiler so be warned. Why didn’t Linh invite Cyrus over after the death of Okideh? You don’t just confirm that your ex lover was the estranged mother to a man the day that said ex lover died and then just go well see you around I guess. Lol, my black ass would’ve had him at the house making sure he was eating and was all together well and giving him more details about this woman’s life up through the funeral. I know Linh mentioned she had wanted to do that but why on earth didn’t she??
Anyway, will read whatever book the author puts out next. Big recommend.
—
Coming back after some reflection. I can’t stop thinking about that last scene SPOILER with Cyrus and Z. I had started the section absolutely elated and near tears then finished the section completely bummed out once I realized what was happening. docking some points bc of that.
I’m not sure if there are truly loose ends or if I just fell in love with each complicated, endearing character that I was greedy to hear more from them by the book’s end. I like books to end somewhat neatly in relation to its subject, and it will take a second read for me to determine whether this is the case for Martyr!
The language of the book was well done, however, there were times where I would read a sentence and go “did we really NEED that simile” lol. For example, what does “like a gold ring dropping into a bowl of milk” actually ‘mean’? Why not a ring slipping from a finger into a pond, where I understand the delicacy of the imagery and also the realism. When would a ring drop into milk? And would it, with regard to physics, not drop in delicately but with a big PLUNK? There were just a few similes that had me scratching my head like this lol, but they’re mostly in the first half of the book.
The dream sequences were my favorites. I particularly liked Roya and Lisa Simpson’s scene as well as the scene featuring Kareemy (my affectionate nickname for Kareem Abdul-Jabar, who I’m sure would love this book).
The plot of this book was so incredulous I was reading it both engaged and like “something like this could only ever happen in a book omg.” Did not take away from my enjoyment however.
Speaking of this, I felt that Cyrus’s present timeline contained too many coincidences. For example, I would have liked more scenes of Cyrus trying and failing at his poetry project prior to discovering Okideh. That he just immediately settles on Okideh, especially considering who she is, was just too neat.
Got misty-eyed a few times!
I do have one major complaint which is a spoiler so be warned. Why didn’t Linh invite Cyrus over after the death of Okideh? You don’t just confirm that your ex lover was the estranged mother to a man the day that said ex lover died and then just go well see you around I guess. Lol, my black ass would’ve had him at the house making sure he was eating and was all together well and giving him more details about this woman’s life up through the funeral. I know Linh mentioned she had wanted to do that but why on earth didn’t she??
Anyway, will read whatever book the author puts out next. Big recommend.
—
Coming back after some reflection. I can’t stop thinking about that last scene SPOILER with Cyrus and Z. I had started the section absolutely elated and near tears then finished the section completely bummed out once I realized what was happening. docking some points bc of that.