A Tapestry of Friendship, Betrayal, and Iranian Women’s Resilience
You know those childhood friendships that seem to shape your entire world? The ones where you share your deepest secrets and wildest dreams, convinced you’ll be best friends forever? Marjan Kamali’s latest novel, “The Lion Women of Tehran,” dives deep into one such relationship, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Iran. It’s a story that had me laughing, crying, and above all, reflecting on my own childhood bonds.
As I turned the last page, I found myself transported back to those carefree days of hopscotch and shared ice cream cones. Kamali has this incredible knack for making you feel like you’re right there with her characters, sharing in their joys and heartbreaks. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
A Journey Through Time and Turmoil
The story unfolds in Tehran, spanning from the 1950s to the early 1980s. We follow Ellie, our narrator, as her comfortable life is turned upside down by her father’s sudden death. Forced to move to a modest home in a working-class neighborhood, Ellie feels lost and alone—until she meets Homa on their first day of school.
Homa is everything Ellie isn’t—bold, outspoken, and passionate about making the world a better place. Their friendship blossoms quickly, nurtured by afternoons spent in Homa’s mother’s warm kitchen and adventures through the bustling Grand Bazaar. Together, they dream of becoming “lion women”—strong, fearless, and ready to change the world.
But life, as it often does, throws a curveball. Ellie’s family fortunes change again, thrusting her back into a world of privilege and leaving Homa behind. As the girls grow into young women, their paths diverge dramatically. Ellie becomes a popular student at an elite high school, while Homa’s political activism leads her down a far more dangerous road.
Characters That Feel Like Old Friends
Kamali has a real gift for creating characters that feel like people you might actually know. Ellie’s journey from insecure child to conflicted young woman is particularly well-drawn. Her struggles with identity, loyalty, and the weight of societal expectations will resonate with many readers.
Homa, on the other hand, burns bright with conviction and courage. Her unwavering commitment to fighting injustice, even at great personal cost, is both inspiring and heartbreaking. The supporting cast is equally compelling, from Ellie’s status-obsessed mother to the kind-hearted Abdol, who becomes an unexpected pillar of strength for both women.
More Than Just a Story of Friendship
While on the surface “The Lion Women of Tehran” is about the bond between two girls, Kamali uses this framework to explore some really big ideas:
The Power of Education
Throughout the novel, we see how access to education shapes the characters’ lives and opportunities. Homa’s thirst for learning and her belief in the transformative power of knowledge drive much of her activism.
Social Class and Expectations
Ellie’s journey between different social strata highlights the often arbitrary nature of class divisions and the pressure to conform to societal norms.
Women’s Roles in a Changing Society
As Iran undergoes massive political upheavals, we see how women’s rights and freedoms are often the first casualties of authoritarian regimes. The struggle of characters like Homa to assert their autonomy and fight for equality is particularly poignant.
Guilt and Forgiveness
Without giving too much away, a single act of betrayal sets in motion a chain of events that will haunt both Ellie and Homa for years to come. Kamali handles this delicate subject with nuance, exploring the long-lasting impact of our choices and the possibility of redemption.
History Comes Alive
One of the things I loved most about this book is how Kamali weaves historical events into the fabric of her characters’ lives. From the 1953 coup d’état that overthrew Prime Minister Mossadegh to the Islamic Revolution of 1979, we experience these momentous shifts through the eyes of ordinary people caught in the crossfire of history.
Kamali’s attention to detail brings mid-20th century Tehran vividly to life. The sights, sounds, and smells of the Grand Bazaar, the tension in the air during political demonstrations, the gradual erosion of freedoms—it’s all rendered with an authenticity that can only come from deep research and personal connection to the material.
Beautiful Writing
If you’ve read Kamali’s previous work, particularly her bestselling novel “The Stationery Shop,” you’ll find much to love in her writing style here. Her prose is lyrical without being over-the-top, finding beauty in small moments and everyday details. Take this passage, describing Ellie’s first taste of ice cream with Homa:
“The flavor of vanilla infused with rose water and saffron burst into my mouth. The chewiness of the wafer contrasted with the smoothness of the ice cream. To my delight, there were also chunks of frozen heavy cream tucked in—the richness a surprise.”
It’s a small moment, but one that perfectly captures the sensory joy of childhood friendship and new experiences.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While I absolutely loved “The Lion Women of Tehran,” there are a couple of small things that could have been improved. The pacing in the middle section of the book can feel a bit uneven, with some important events glossed over too quickly. Additionally, a few of the supporting characters, particularly some of the men in Ellie’s life, could have been fleshed out a bit more.
These are really minor criticisms, though, in a novel that otherwise soars.
A Timely and Important Story
It’s impossible to read “The Lion Women of Tehran” without thinking about what’s happening in Iran right now. As I write this review, brave women are once again taking to the streets, demanding their rights and freedoms in the face of brutal oppression. Kamali’s novel serves as a powerful reminder of the long history of resistance and the indomitable spirit of those fighting for justice.
In Conclusion: A Must-Read
“The Lion Women of Tehran” is a triumph—a deeply moving exploration of friendship, identity, and the power of the human spirit to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. Marjan Kamali has crafted a story that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
This novel is a testament to the strength of women, the complexity of human relationships, and the enduring hope that even in the darkest times, change is possible. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and above all, think deeply about the bonds that connect us and the choices that define us.
Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, or simply beautifully crafted prose, “The Lion Women of Tehran” deserves a place on your reading list. It’s a powerful reminder of why we turn to literature—to expand our horizons, to find connection, and to glimpse the shared humanity that unites us all, regardless of time or place.
For Fans Of…
If you enjoyed “The Lion Women of Tehran,” you might also appreciate:
- “The Stationery Shop” – Marjan Kamali’s previous novel, also set in Iran
- “Reading Lolita in Tehran” by Azar Nafisi
- “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini
- “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi
About the Author
Marjan Kamali was born in Turkey to Iranian parents and spent her childhood in Kenya, Germany, Turkey, Iran, and the United States. She holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Columbia University, and New York University. “The Lion Women of Tehran” is her third novel, following “Together Tea” and the bestselling “The Stationery Shop.” Kamali’s work has been translated into multiple languages and has earned her numerous accolades, including a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Award.
