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The Lion Women of Tehran

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Description

An “evocative read and a powerful portrait of friendship, feminism, and political activism” (People) set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran—from nationally bestselling author Marjan Kamali. In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives in grand comfort until the untimely death of her father, forcing Ellie and her mother to move to a tiny home downtown. Lonely and bearing the brunt of her mother’s endless grievances, Ellie dreams for a friend to alleviate her isolation. Luckily, on the first day of school, she meets Homa, a kind girl with a brave and irrepressible spirit. Together, the two girls play games, learn to cook in the stone kitchen of Homa’s warm home, wander through the colorful stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and share their ambitions of becoming “lion women.” But their happiness is disrupted when Ellie and her mother are afforded the opportunity to return to their previous bourgeois life. Now a popular student at the best girls’ high school in Iran, Ellie’s memories of Homa begin to fade. Years later, however, her sudden reappearance in Ellie’s privileged world alters the course of both of their lives. Together, the two young women come of age and pursue their own goals for meaningful futures. But as the political turmoil in Iran builds to a breaking point, one earth-shattering betrayal will have enormous consequences. “Reminiscent of The Kite Runner and My Brilliant Friend, The Lion Women of Tehran is a mesmerizing tale” (BookPage) of love and courage, and a sweeping exploration of how profoundly we are shaped by those we meet when we are young. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery Books (July 2, 2024)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1668036584


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 87


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #1,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #29 in Friendship Fiction (Books) #42 in 20th Century Historical Fiction (Books) #121 in American Literature (Books)


#29 in Friendship Fiction (Books):


#42 in 20th Century Historical Fiction (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Powerful story!
4.75 stars The Lion Women of Tehran, by Marjan Kamali, is a powerful, evocative, moving story with impactful characters, rich history, important themes and eloquent writing. We start with an irrepressible friendship between two girls from different economic, social and political statuses in 1950s Tehran. Political unrest is rampant and engulfs everyone. Ellie and Homa have lives that eventually diverge, then reunite, and we follow the paths they take. The journey is fascinating, heartbreaking, cathartic and inspirational. This epic story is meaningful and memorable and will grip your heart, stir your emotions, possibly change your perspective, and leave you better for it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2024 by Miss.Read.Alot
    • Friendship in an ever changing country
Life changed dramatically for seven-year-old Elaheh after her father died. Her father’s brother now held the purse strings for Elaheh and her mother. Uncle Massoud forced them to move to a small place at “the bottom of the city.” Gone was the beautiful home her mother had lived in since her marriage at age 16. Gone were the servants. Gone was the money her father made. Gone were her mother’s paintings, jewelry, furniture, all the trappings of a wealthy life. Home now consisted of two rooms with a mattress on the floor where both mother and daughter slept. Elaheh’s self absorbed, ultra superstitious, mean spirited mother refused to work as having a job was beneath someone who was descended from royalty as she often reminded her daughter. Ellie spent those early days looking out her window at the neighborhood children playing in the streets. Forbidden to join them, she could only dream about having a friend. As their first summer in the slums drew to a close, Elaheh’s mother announced that she had registered her daughter for first grade. Ellie was so excited for school and knew that there she would finally find her perfect friend. But the kind, gentle friend of her dreams never appeared. Instead, a curly haired, loud, boisterous, girl with mischief in her eyes became her BFF. Her name was Homa and she was so different from what Ellie had imagined her best friend would be. Homa and her family welcomed Ellie. But her own mother refused to allow Homa to come home with Ellie. In spite of the prejudice and hate her mother spewed about Homa and her family, the girls built a solid friendship. And together they were going to grow up and follow their dreams. Their bond of friendship was strong with ups and downs throughout their lives. Both girls had dreams. Homa was the idealist - a fighter, an activist, wanting to make changes for the women in her beloved country while Ellie was a gentle soul, who wanted a college education, a husband and children. Both dreams were shattered as Iran’s political climate changed and the Sha was ousted. This beautifully written story is told in flashbacks from 1950 to 2022. This is a story of two little girls who grew up in an ever changing country. It is a story of courage, friendship, women’s rights (or lack of them), Iranian culture, and political unrest. Written by the author who brought us The Stationary Shop, Marjan Kamila has woven an engaging and timely story about the strength and beauty of the women living in Iran. Don’t miss this five star novel. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024 by KWyly
    • Compelling story, wonderful glimpse into another culture
I was fascinated by the story of Elaheh, the main character of "The Lion Women of Tehran", and her friend Homa. Many Americans may not know the history of our country with Iran. The story of the friendship between Elaheh and her vibrant, passionate friend Homa, illustrates this history beautifully and simply. I don't want to get into too many details of the plot for fear of spoilers, but I will say that the story held my attention from the beginning and kept my attention throughout. I have a personal interest because my mother, aunt and grandmother were from Iran, albeit Assyrian/Armenian Christians. I heard many stories from them about living under the Shah. Homa, Elaheh's childhood friend, is a vehicle for Kamali to illustrate how repression, authoritarianism, and far-right religious rulers can cause so much misery and pain to a population. The Shah and his brutal police force, the SAVAK, were bad enough; Homa could not have foreseen the complete annihilation of personal freedoms the Ayatolleh Khomeini and his regime could bring to this beautiful country. I think the shell of an outstanding novel is here. Kamali has written this for a general audience, almost like a chick lit book with a historical base. But so much more could be explored in these themes. Still, many people will learn from it. I wish there had been a glossary of Farsi terms and even some recipes as an Appendix. That is something that publishers don't do and it may be considered improper. But I think readers would appreciate it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024 by J. A Bowen
    • empowering
This novel highlights two childhood friends in Iran of different demographics and political views. Character development is extraordinary as they narrate a heartwarming story of friendship, heartbreak, abuse and forgiveness. The historical timeframe spans 3 decades beginning in the 1960’s where women’s rights were non-existent. This is one of the best novels. I have read this year and highly recommended as a book club option. LJ ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2024 by linda jacobs
    • An emotional story with a historical and relevant context
This was a great read. The characters of Ellie and Homa were so deeply entrenched in each other’s lives. I felt like I was watching their whole life happen before me. I loved how the book ended, and its title so appropriate for the plot.
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2024 by M. Alexander
    • Beautiful Story of Friendship and History
It’s been a while since my favorite genre, historical fiction, has engaged me so much! I loved these two characters right from the get-go. I enjoyed learning about the history that so closely replicates what’s happening now. I enjoyed their beautiful personalities and their love of one another. I highly recommend this book! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2024 by LoloD
    • Page turner
for sure with true facts and heartbreaking reality. The author weaves the story but dies it concisely. Very interesting book.
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2024 by JA

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