An Introduction to ‘martyr!’
In his debut novel ‘martyr!’, Kaveh Akbar explores complex themes of death, martyrdom, and family legacies. This seminal work delves into the story of Cyrus Shams, a man deeply obsessed with the concept of meaningful death. The novel interweaves elements of personal history, cultural critique, and existential inquiries to offer a narrative that is both profound and thought-provoking.
The Obsession with Martyrdom
Cyrus’ fixation on a purposeful death is rooted in his family’s tragic history. His mother perished when her plane was shot down by American forces over the Persian Gulf, and his father died shortly after Cyrus left for college. Struggling to cope, Cyrus becomes captivated by the idea of writing a book on martyrs. This quest leads him to Orkideh, an older Iranian artist residing in New York City.
The Encounter with Orkideh
Orkideh is a compelling character who, in a Marina Abramović-style performance, spends the final days of her life openly accessible to the public in the Brooklyn Museum as she dies of cancer. Through their conversations, Cyrus and Orkideh explore profound themes such as death, art, nationhood, and family. These dialogues are interspersed with flashbacks and supernatural dream sequences that connect the past and present, enriching the narrative’s complexity.
Language as Salvation
Despite the novel’s heavy themes, Akbar’s writing finds moments of beauty and grace. His poetic background shines through, offering respite in an otherwise tumultuous story. As Cyrus’ mother poignantly states, “A photograph can say ‘this is what it was.’ Language can only say ‘this is what it was like.” Through language, ‘martyr!’ gestures towards the essence of life, capturing its inherent contradictions—pain and pleasure, despair and hope.
