justin lesieur dot com slash what i've been reading: martyr! by kaveh akbar

March 19, 2026

I recently finished Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar, and it's one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish. Akbar, best known for his poetry, brings that same, sharp, lyrical precision to his debut novel. The story follows Cyrus Shams, a young man searching for meaning, identity, and connection while wrestling with grief, addiction, and the strange, beautiful mess of being alive. 

It's a book about art, faith, longing, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. And the writing is incredible. Akbar's sentences feel alive, playful, aching, and surprising in the best ways. I found myself rereading lines just to sit with them a little longer.

If you're looking for something bold, thoughtful, and beautifully written, this one's worth picking up. 

Leave a comment below and tell me what you're reading, or any recommendations you have.