Cyrus Shams, a troubled man wrestling with the violent death of his mother in a plane crash over the Persian Gulf, embarks on an introspective journey. Newly sober, his quest is driven by an obsession with martyrs, encounters with influential artists, and revelations about his family's past. As Cyrus delves into the life and secrets of his mother, his search for meaning leads to a momentous discovery that challenges his understanding of identity, belonging, and the intricacies of human connection. 'Martyr!', by Kaveh Akbar, is a compelling narrative that explores themes of addiction, heritage, and the transformative power of art,