Kaveh Akbar
Kaveh Akbar is an Iranian-American poet and novelist celebrated for his lyrical exploration of spirituality, identity, and addiction. Born in Tehran in 1989, he immigrated to the U.S. as a child. His poetry collections include Calling a Wolf a Wolf and Pilgrim Bell. In 2024, he published his debut novel, Martyr!, which became a New York Times bestseller and was a National Book Award finalist. Akbar also serves as the poetry editor for The Nation and teaches at the University of Iowa, contributing significantly to contemporary American poetry.
Kaveh Akbar's debut novel, Martyr!, follows Cyrus Shams, a first-generation Iranian American poet grappling with the loss of his mother, who died in a tragic plane bombing. Haunted by grief and searching for meaning, Cyrus embarks on a journey that intertwines his personal struggles with broader themes of identity, legacy, and artistic expression. The narrative delves into the complexities of family, sacrifice, and self-discovery, highlighting the immigrant experience and the impact of loss. Akbar's prose offers a poignant reflection on the human condition and the quest for purpose.