Martyr!

In her first conversation with Cyrus, Orkideh tells him that he wants to be an “earth martyr.” What does this phrase mean, and how does it contribute to Cyrus’s developing understanding of martyrdom in the novel?

Examine the relationship between Orkideh and her ex-wife, Sang Linh. In a book about Iranian American experience, why is Sang’s Vietnamese American identity significant? How does this relationship relate to or contrast with Orkideh’s previous romance with Leila? Support your response with specific examples from the text.

What happens to Cyrus and Zee at the end of the book, and how does the surrealist ending enhance the overall meaning of and themes explored in the novel? Provide specific examples to support your interpretation.