NPR's Book of the Day Kaveh Akbar's novel 'Martyr!' is a journey of identity, addiction and poetry
Dec 31, 2024
Kaveh Akbar, author of the novel "Martyr!" and poetry editor at The Nation, delves into his personal experiences with addiction and loss. He reflects on the dual nature of life's joys and sorrows, illustrating how they shape his writing. The conversation navigates the protagonist's obsession with martyrdom, intertwining personal identity and cultural complexities. Akbar also explores the role of humor and poetry as healing tools, alongside discussions on mental health and the intersection of art and mortality.
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Art as Immortality
- Art serves as a human method to achieve immortality through storytelling and language.
- Cyrus seeks martyrdom in a terrestrial sense, using art to leave a lasting impact beyond himself.
Cyrus' Unique Medical Role
- Cyrus works as a medical actor, helping doctors practice delivering bad news.
- Despite his struggles, the character's humor shines through the dark themes of addiction and martyrdom.
Author's Sobriety Journey
- Kaveh Akbar shares his personal journey of recovery, celebrating ten years of sobriety.
- He acknowledges how exhausting recovery can be but emphasizes its transformative worth.
