I think this is my least favorite so far, it takes the miscommunication to an entirely new level. 

Kaveh Akbar’s Martyr is a stunning, poetic debut novel that masterfully blends heartbreak, with a deep exploration of faith, addiction, and identity. Akbar’s ability to capture longing, grief, and the search for meaning is perhaps the most impressive part of this novel. 

What keeps this from being a full five stars? At times, the novel’s fragmented structure and poetic density can be a bit challenging although I still enjoyed it. However, I must say I was saddened by the ending and was hoping for a different conclusion. 

I have a lot of conflicting feelings about this book, ultimately I enjoyed it but I do think it was a rather positive light on a number of presidents who have rightly had controversial views and varied public standing, I think there should’ve been a bit more focus on that (with the exception of Hoover). 

Loved this one, it was such a fun read! Only criticism is that I knew rather immediately who the villain was.