Kaveh Akbar’s book “Martyr!” is not just about recovery; it explores alienation, grief, and death. “Martyr!” follows anti-hero Cyrus Shams, a recovering addict and alcoholic. Shams struggles with being alive and the effects of death, which drives him to write his opus about martyrs and what he deems meaningful death. He examines the death of his mother, whose plane was shot down in the Persian Gulf when he was a baby, and his uncle, who rides on horseback through the battlefields of the Iran-Iraq war. His search for how death can be meaningful leads him on a trip with his roommate Zee to visit a dying artist in Brooklyn. The artist is spending her final days in a museum talking to visitors, but the more Shams talks with her, the more questions he has about who she is.
“Martyr!” contains many points of view that are equally engaging, and each has a unique voice. Though the multiple perspectives are not predictable, each chapter feels deliberate. Throughout the book, readers gain new insights that feel valuable and make them excited to turn the page. The complexity of every perspective makes the reader root for each character while simultaneously questioning them. Each new perspective is an enjoyable read as the reader gains new insights about the characters that even the other characters do not yet know.
Shams’ chapters offer a fresh perspective on addiction and recovery, and Akbar does not shy away from the inherent darkness in these themes. Shams is not a perfect or easily lovable narrator. His chapters are a well-balanced mix of funny moments and depressing thoughts. His despair and anger make him feel much younger than 30. His immaturity makes sense, but he cannot help but frustrate the reader. This mix of perspectives and the writing of each character keeps “Martyr!” exciting, up until the end.
Though the story is exciting and mystifying, the ending feels jarring and rushed. Throughout the book, Akbar crafts each sentence and storyline carefully. The resolution spans almost 100 pages, but it still feels rushed. The way Akbar wraps up the story feels abrupt and out of character. Shams is complex and often frustrating, but his sudden change of heart does not feel consistent with who he is. Considering that Shams behaves erratically throughout the rest of the book, his final behavior feels almost too normal. Cyrus is not the only one to undergo this sudden and unrealistic shift. While the rest of the book is so well composed, the conclusion feels even more unsatisfactory, and readers may find themselves wishing that Akbar had spent 100 more pages fleshing it out.
“Martyr!” is not an easy or lighthearted read, but that is to be expected. There are funny moments, but for those looking for a feel-good book, this is not the one to pick up. Akbar uses his roots as a poet to craft thoughtful descriptions and a stunning story. The characters are relatively well developed, and the writing allows readers to love and hate each one at the same time. While reading each twist and viewpoint, the book becomes difficult to put down. Though the ending feels disappointing, it is only because the rest of the story is so enjoyable. For readers who are looking for a book with beautiful descriptions, frustrating characters, and an unexpected plot, grab a copy of “Martyr!” and get reading.