Martyr!: A novel
A newly sober, orphaned son of Iranian immigrants, guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, embarks on a remarkable search for a family secret that leads him to a terminally ill painter living out her final days in the Brooklyn Museum. Electrifying, funny, and wholly original, Martyr! heralds the arrival of an essential new voice in contemporary fiction.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
Loved where the story went and the messages behind the verbose text.
This book felt long and slow to start.
Book Review: Martyr
At first, I didn’t like Martyr—not because it was poorly written, but because it struck a nerve in me. Something about the story hit too close to home, making it hard to engage with at the beginning. But as I pushed through, I found myself drawn in, especially when the twist came. That shift in the story changed everything, making me see it in a new light.
That said, one thing I just can’t accept is the idea of a mother abandoning her child. No matter the reasoning, it’s something I struggle to understand or forgive. It left a bitter taste in my mouth, even as I appreciated the storytelling. The book is thought-provoking and well-crafted, but that element made it hard for me to fully embrace.
I’m not convinced the author knows the definition of martyr. I did not appreciate his low perspective on people or the world. There was a lack of insight on how people truly behave. His negative view of God, human nature, and the world, keeps the book from having true insight on a world filled with good and bad.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.