For such a short novel, White Nights says so much through the narrator's reflections on his lonely existence in St. Petersburg. Now I understand the aFor such a short novel, White Nights says so much through the narrator's reflections on his lonely existence in St. Petersburg. Now I understand the admiration this work receives. The narrator's words are full of beautiful, melancholic phrases. He is a dreamer—introverted, shy, and filled in self-pity. He meets a girl, and together they share deep thoughts, connecting over their desires and fears. This is a story of unrequited love, not romance, with a melancholy beauty in the fleeting moments between strangers. The narrator’s final question made me think about the nature of happiness and the impermanence of connections. A truly wonderful work. ...more
Martyr is a powerful exploration of identity, grief, and the meaning of life and death. The story centers around Cyrus, an Iranian American orphan whoMartyr is a powerful exploration of identity, grief, and the meaning of life and death. The story centers around Cyrus, an Iranian American orphan who is grappling with the loss of both his parents. Cyrus is a recovering alcoholic and a poet at a critical crossroads in his life—at twenty-nine years old, he contemplates what it might mean to have a "meaningful" death.
Kaveh Akbar draws from real historical events—Cyrus’s mother was killed when the U.S. military shot down an Iranian plane in 1988, a tragedy that left a deep and lasting mark on his life, even though he was a child at the time. His father brought him to America, but his grief ultimately took its toll, leading to his father's death when Cyrus was in college. These losses drive his obsession for martyrs and writes about it.
What makes this book stand out is its storytelling. Akbar weaves together multiple perspectives, blending past and present, reality and dreams. The narrative is a mix of the philosophical and the surreal, touching on themes like grief, art, war, and sexual and cultural identity. This is a man trying to make sense of his place in a world that feels alien to him.
Cyrus’s journey takes a turn when he learns about Orkideh, an artist in Brooklyn who is terminally ill with cancer and spending her final days in a museum talking to visitors. His roommate and partner Zee talks Cyrus into visiting Orkideh, and what follows is a series of profound conversations that challenge and change him. These interactions are pivotal so I won’t say more.
Though the non-linear narrative was a bit confusing and out of order, somehow this style of prose and humor kept my attention and I was able to piece things together. This was an enjoyable and memorable read, one I didn’t even expect to pick up. 4.5 Stars...more
I’ve enjoyed Elin Hilderbrand’s books for the last few summers now and glad I got to this before the season ended. I listened to the audiobook and reaI’ve enjoyed Elin Hilderbrand’s books for the last few summers now and glad I got to this before the season ended. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed hearing all the rich people drama unfold against the backdrop of Nantucket’s charm. The story pulled me in with the family drama, the arrival of the rich social-climbing newcomers, and all with a bit of mystery. This is the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re spending the summer by the sea, perfect for a weekend escape. ...more
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