Nerdette Nerdette Book Club: Kaveh Akbar on ‘Martyr!’
Mar 5, 2024
Kaveh Akbar, a poet and author known for exploring themes of addiction and Iranian-American identity, discusses his novel 'Martyr!' which follows protagonist Cyrus through challenges related to his heritage and recovery. The conversation highlights the complexities of finding home through empathy and language. Akbar shares how he balances serious themes like martyrdom with humor and dreams, illustrating the depth of his characters. His reflections on the joy of publishing and engaging with the literary community resonate throughout the discussion.
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Author's Connection to Cyrus
- Kaveh Akbar shares biographical similarities with Cyrus but sees him as a flawed past or present self.
- Cyrus displays obsessive self-focus and ethical failings that Akbar understands from experience.
Dreams Shape Narrative
- Dreams in the novel come first and reveal character depth.
- Serious dream sequences integrate narrative elements and advance the story.
Dreams Resist Empire Logic
- Dreams and poetry defy the demands of empire and productivity.
- Cultural disinterest in dreams aims to suppress introspection and non-productivity.
