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Martyr!

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Martyr!

By: Kaveh Akbar
Narrated by: Arian Moayed
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About this listen



CYRUS SHAMS IS LOST.

Ever since his mother’s plane was senselessly shot down over the Persian Gulf when he was just a baby, Cyrus has been grappling with her death. Now, newly sober, he is set to learn the truth of her life.

When an encounter with a dying artist leads Cyrus towards the mysteries of his past - an uncle who rode through Iranian battlefields dressed as an Angel of Death, a haunting work of art by an exiled painter – he finds himself once again caught up in the story of his mother, who may not have been who or what she seemed. As Cyrus searches for meaning in the scattered clues of his life, a final revelation transforms everything he thought he knew.

Electrifying, funny, wholly original, and profound, Martyr! heralds the arrival of a blazing and essential new voice in contemporary fiction.

* Martyr! was an instant New York Times bestseller w/c 27/1/24

©2024 Kaveh Akbar (P)2024 Macmillan Publishers International Limited Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction

Critic Reviews

'This book vibrates with love of life, beauty and langauge. I'm in awe' - Natalie Portman

‘I will carry this story, and the people in it, with me for the rest of my life’ John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars

'Nothing short of miraculous ' Junot Diaz, New York Times

'A kaleidoscopic debut' - Guardian

'Smart, dazzling, different . . . This book is thrilling.' - Ann Patchett, author of Tom Lake

'I haven't stopped thinking about it. Sensational.' - Daily Mail

'Elegant, dizzying, playful.' - Lauren Groff, author of Matrix

'Martyr! is an astounding debut' - The Irish Times

'Brilliant' - LA Times
All stars
Most relevant  
This felt topical on so many levels, but never preachy. So many lines felt like incredibly insightful poetry, others like wry and witty observations on really painful aspects of life. The narration was amazing, it did real justice to the depth of each character. My favourite book of this year

Falling in love with each character

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This might be one of the most beautifully surprising stories I’ve read in years. Iranian/Persian author, a story about recovery, loss, the young desire for death coming face to face with actual death, a rebirth. I’m crying as I type this, a really touching story of flawed humanity, the secrets we keep, and missed connections.

Stunning story, beautifully read

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It was a difficult read but wonderful. I am please I persevered. I Highlight recommend it.

Wonderful

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Heartbreaking, haunting and beautifully written well worth your time and investment. Please read it now. That’s 15 words

Stunning

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Well constructed time warp of perspectives through generations. A tender and life affirming quirky tale

Fascinating story!

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