This book has some of the most beautiful and thought-provoking prose. 

Its aim was not overtly ambitious however, the execution was unnecessarily convoluted. 

The choice to have every other paragraph be about Cyrus (undoubtedly the most annoyingly unlikable character) made the story hard to follow at times. I will say I listened to the audiobook which may have made it harder to follow. 

I think overall it's a book about humanity at its rawest form yet through the lense of someone who seems to do everything but appreciate life or humanity. Instead, Cyrus is on this deep quest to make his life meaningful through death and the deaths of others which is interestingly the most selfish way to go about finding purpose. 

I will say the "book of martyrs" / the stories of different family members and acquaintances was my absolute favorite parts! 

ALSO that twist at the end... explains so much and infuriated me.