Martyr!

"Martyr!" is a gripping novel by Kaveh Akbar that tells the story of Cyrus Shams, a young man grappling with the shadows of his past. As the son of Iranian immigrants and after the loss of his parents, Cyrus embarks on an extraordinary journey to uncover a family secret. This quest leads him to a terminally ill painter at the Brooklyn Museum, while he is guided by the voices of significant artists and poets. The novel is a powerful exploration of themes such as identity, loss, addiction, and the search for belonging. Akbar's narrative style is both electrifying and humorous, offering a fresh perspective on life's challenges and the complexity of human relationships. "Martyr!" has been recognized as one of the best books of the year and is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature.