The Lion Women of Tehran
By Marjan Kamali
No one can summarize the fascinating story told in The Lion Women of Tehran better than Marjan Kamali who says in her Author’s Note: “I follow the friendship between two girls who come from very different families and stations in life but who forge an indestructible bond when they are seven. Together they share the joys of childhood, the ups and downs of adolescence, the fractures of betrayal when they are young women, and the relief of redemption as their fate takes them across oceans and borders. All along, one of them, Homa, fights tirelessly for Iranian women to be free.”
The Lion Women of Tehran tells the story of multiple regime changes in Iran along with the hope for a better life and the disappointment when each new ruling class results in more hardship for the citizens than the one before. The novel’s setting is a powerful backdrop to this tale of the repression of women. Minor, even accidental, infractions such as a hair that escapes a hijab could result in imprisonment and torture. Men were not immune to jailing by the security police, either, with political prisoners receiving long, harsh jail sentences.
Ellie and Homa meet as children and despite difficulties over the years, they remain friends. These two characters capture the interest of the reader immediately and hold it as the novelist spins out a tale with many twists and turns. A chapter will end with a poignant line that lets you know that something important will happen in the next chapter or with a hook that grabs and won’t let go. I read this page turner quickly because I had to keep reading in hopes of discovering resolution to the various problems. The main final action occurs in 1982, but the author jumps ahead in time to 2022 to a concluding chapter and an epilogue. That technique seems rather abrupt, but it answers many questions satisfactorily without drawing the novel out needlessly with details that would detract from the main themes of the book—friendships that last and the strength of women in the face of adversity.
The chapters are well labeled to show whether the point of view is Homa’s or Ellie’s. Perhaps more importantly, the year and sometimes the month are noted. This notation is significant because there are gaps in the timeline and events are not always sequential in the storytelling.
The Lion Women of Tehran is a powerful work of fiction that deserves a top place in literary discussions. The prose is well-written and the plot is well-crafted. Marjan Kamali brings Iranian culture to life and presents an Iran that is not shared in news reports.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Historical Fiction
Publication: July 2, 2024—Gallery Books
Memorable Lines:
In the middle of the schoolyard with everyone watching, with the lunch break ticking away and stomachs grumbling, with the leaves on the ground fragile and breakable beneath our feet, my old friend wrapped her arms around me. She hugged me as though seven years had not passed…it was she Homa. The girl who was always her full self without apology, without explanation, without shame.
I walk in a city now littered with burning cars and trash cans ablaze, a city boiling in fury, a country desperate for change and freedom. My heart is heavy. I am once again cloaked in grief. As I walk, the voice in my head whispers again. And I cannot help but be chilled from head to toe: If the revolution succeeds, what if what follows is worse?
We are tired. Tired of the many ways we are continually told to shut up and obey. Tired of being worried about constant arrest because a strand or two of our hair might peek out. Because a patch of our skin might show. Tired above all—above all in God’s almighty planet—of being bombed. Night after night after night.
education pathways 
You find the most interesting books. My TBR list grows out of control but between your review and current events this is now a must have. Thank you for your dedication to your blog.
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Thank you for your part in this blog as a reader and commenter. Given current events, this book rises to the top, but it would be a valuable read regardless of what is happening in Iran today.
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This sounds like a powerful read, Linda. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
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It is an impactful read, Gretchen. Over the last few years, I have read several books about the Middle East. Although others were good, this one stand out as more of a page turner and has powerful themes.
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On my TBR list, Linda! Sounds like an important read given the current situation in Iran.
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It absolutely is, Nancy!
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Do you mind if I put a link to this post on my blog tomorrow? I am currently reading this book.
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That would be wonderful, Robyn! Thank you for asking and for sharing my post with a link.
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thank you, I will read this one for sure
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I hope you enjoy it!
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Dear Linda
Thanks for your review. You made us curious, we’ll have a look at this book.
Happy weekend
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Yes! Do look into it, and if you decide to read The Lion Women of Tehran, I hope you enjoy it.
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Thanks for review. Will surely take a look at this book.
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Thanks for reading the blog post. The book is a timely read, but its themes extend past the horrible news emerging from Iran.
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I am an avid reader of your blog and you deserve this recognition! Thank you once again for a wonderful review!
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Thank you, Nancy! I enjoy reading and writing reviews, and I always hope they are valuable to my readers.
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Nice
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😊
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Provide strength during times of hardship and political upheaval.
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👍
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True friendship despite the harships, color, race or beliefs is one of a kind. Soothing to the soul. How we all wish that there are alot like them.
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They had their ups and downs, but friendship wins out in the end.
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A powerful and moving review. Stories like this remind us of the strength of friendship, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for women’s freedom and dignity. Thank you for sharing this inspiring book.
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I hope you get a chance to read it. It is inspiring and touching.
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🙏🙏
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Thank you for the recommendation! I was looking this morning for a book to send to a friend, I think this one is it. I will also purchase a copy for my kindle!
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I hope you and your friend enjoy this book!
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Thank you for sharing 🙏 I will definitely buy this one
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You are welcome! I am happy to hear you are planning on reading this book.
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Thanks for sharing!
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A book worth sharing!😊 Thanks for dropping by.
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