A review by ryliereadss
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

challenging dark emotional 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

4.75

I love reading books written by poets. This was absolutely phenomenal. Cyrus's obsession with martyrs is fascinating and makes you think about the mark you will leave when you die. The flashbacks we get that are narrated by Cyrus's relatives were really great, I loved reading about his family history. In those chapters we also learn about some of Cyrus's family trauma. I really enjoyed the observations made about grief, death, wanting to die, and writing. I also really loved the queer elements in the story that I didn't expect. I thought Roya was such a unique character. The ending really surprised me. I can't wait to reread this.