The Lion Women of Tehran – Marjan Kamali

Set against the vibrant and turbulent backdrop of Tehran, The Lion Women of Tehran follows the lives of two girls, Ellie and Homa, whose friendship defies societal divides. Beginning in the 1950s, Ellie’s privileged world crumbles after her father’s death, forcing her and her mother to relocate to a modest neighborhood. There, she meets Homa, a spirited girl whose resilience and optimism ignite a lifelong bond. Together, they dream of becoming “lion women”—strong, independent figures who challenge the constraints of their era.

As political unrest simmers in Iran, Ellie and Homa navigate adulthood, love, and ambition. Ellie seeks stability and education, while Homa becomes a fierce advocate for women’s rights, risking everything to fight oppression. Their paths diverge and collide over decades, shaped by personal betrayals, cultural shifts, and the Iranian Revolution. Kamali’s rich prose captures the scent of Tehran’s bazaars, the ache of lost innocence, and the unbreakable ties of friendship.

The novel explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the cost of progress, painting a poignant portrait of Iran’s transformation. Through Ellie’s introspective voice and Homa’s fiery determination, readers witness the erosion of rights and the quiet acts of resistance that define generations. A story of love, loss, and resilience, it underscores how friendship can anchor us amid chaos.

Kamali masterfully weaves historical detail with intimate character studies, offering a window into Iranian culture and the universal struggle for autonomy. The book’s emotional depth and atmospheric storytelling resonate long after the final page, cementing its place as a modern classic. Fans of The Kite Runner and My Brilliant Friend will find themselves equally captivated by this sweeping tale.