Martyrdom
The protagonist, Cyrus Shams, is obsessed with the concept of martyrdom. This obsession manifests through his personal, familial, and cultural identity. Coming from an Iranian-American background, he is haunted by the death of his mother in a plane shot down by the U.S. Navy. His fixation extends beyond his family as he immerses himself in studying historical martyrs to seek meaning in their sacrifices. This theme explores how Cyrus turns to martyrdom as a lens through which he tries to understand the significance of suffering and death, both personal and collective. His obsession mirrors his search for meaning and purpose in life since he grapples with his Iranian heritage, the trauma of his family history, and his alienation in the U.S. Akbar delves into how the concept of martyrdom becomes a psychological and spiritual fixation for Cyrus.
Addiction and Redemption
Cyrus’s struggles with addiction are central to his narrative. The novel paints a harrowing picture of how addiction is a coping mechanism and a barrier to self-awareness and healing. His substance abuse is linked to his quest for redemption because he repeatedly seeks divine and existential signs. For instance, using the flickering of a lightbulb in his dingy apartment to confirm a higher purpose or absolution. Cyrus views his sobriety as a constant struggle for atonement, feeling unworthy and trapped in his cycle of guilt and shame. The novel explores how addiction warps his perception of self and relationships, particularly with Zee Novak, his close friend and romantic interest. In many ways, his addiction mirrors his obsession with martyrdom. Both are expressions of his desire to transcend his pain and find a higher meaning in his suffering.
Cultural Dislocation and Queer Identity
Cyrus’s queer identity is another major theme that Akbar threads through the narrative, mainly in the context of his cultural dislocation. Growing up as the child of Iranian immigrants, he feels caught between two worlds—his Iranian heritage and his American life. This dislocation extends to his sexuality, where his feelings for Zee create inner turmoil in light of his cultural background that complicates his relationship with queer identity. His struggle for belonging is a driving force in the novel as he navigates the tension between familial expectations, societal norms, and his desires. The theme of cultural dislocation is compounded by his quest to make sense of his family’s past and the history of U.S.-Iran relations. This underscores how Cyrus’s identity is continually shaped and reshaped by external forces beyond his control.
