- Date Published:
2024 - Length:
336 pages—Listening Time: 10 hr 29 minutes - Genre:
General Fiction, Historical Fiction - Setting:
1950s - 2022; Tehran, Iran, New York City, Boston - Awards:
Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee Historical Fiction 2024; NPR: Books We Love 2024; Christian Science Monitor Best Book Fiction 2024; Mid-Continent Public Library Best Books Adult Fiction 2024 - Languages:
English - Sensitive Aspects:
Sexual content, violence, political oppression, prejudices, mysogyny, mental health, substance abuse, religious and superstitious beliefs, class differences - Movie:
There was an HBO deal to adapt The Lion Women of Tehran, but it fell through after the merger of Warner Bros. and Discovery, which led to the discontinuation of period dramas on the platform. The author, Marjan Kamali, has confirmed there is still interest from others in a film or series adaptation. - Recommended for Book Club:
Yes! I'm suggesting this book for my local book club.
Once upon a sun-dappled summer (okay, it might have rained, memory is tricky), a shy, bookish little girl found her world crack open wide—not by reading, but by meeting her first real best friend. It was the kind of friendship that colored every adventure a bit brighter: creating a blanket fort/playhouse, playing jacks and board games over and over again, and sharing whispered secrets that felt epic enough to change the course of history. If you’ve ever had a friend who felt like the other half of your own childhood, you’ll understand why Marjan Kamali’s The Lion Women of Tehan tugged on all my heartstrings and then some.
Now, mention Iran at a dinner party, and chances are you’ll get a few wary glances or consternated sighs. But here’s something Kamali’s beautiful novel does better than the evening news: it reminds us that behind every headline and stereotype, there are real people with heartbreak, hope, and a knack for weaving the world’s best childhood dreams. The Iranian women in these pages are fierce, funny, loving, and so relatable you’ll want to pull up a kitchen stool, pour the tea, and stay for stories that span a lifetime.
And, the Iranian kitchens offered more than stories. The descriptions of the food are deliciously brilliant. I think the bazaar ice cream, as described in the book is probably to die for. I was even inspired to make chickpea cookies. We'll see how that turns out.
So whether you’re reading solo or gathering the book club squad (blanket playhouses optional, but highly recommended), consider the unforgettable world of childhood friendship, resilience, bravery, and everyday magic that pulses at the heart of The Lion Women of Tehan. Turns out, a story set far from home can feel astonishingly close to the heart—especially when it’s told by the friend you never knew you’d been missing. I loved this book!
There are two seven-year-olds in 1950s Tehran, dreaming of becoming "lion women" who will change the world. One minute they're wandering through the Grand Bazaar's colorful maze, sharing secrets and saffron-scented meals—the next, they're torn apart by the very forces that will reshape Iran for decades to come.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali is the kind of book that grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go. It's the story of Ellie and Homa, two girls whose friendship becomes a lens through which we witness three transformative decades of Iranian history.
When Ellie's privileged world crumbles after her father's death, forcing her and her bitter mother into a modest downtown neighborhood, she discovers something her wealth never provided: a true friend. Homa arrives like a burst of sunshine—brave, irrepressible, and full of dreams that stretch far beyond the stone walls of her humble home. Together, they cook in Homa's kitchen, compete academically, and imagine futures where they'll be strong women making a difference in the world.
But here's where Kamali's storytelling brilliance shines: just as we fall in love with their bond, life intervenes. Ellie's return to privilege means attending Tehran's most elite girls' school, where memories of Homa begin to fade like old photographs. Until, years later, Homa reappears on a scholarship, and everything changes again.
This isn't just a friendship story—it's Iran itself coming alive on the page. Kamali masterfully weaves the country's tumultuous political landscape from the 1950s through the 1979 revolution and beyond, showing how seismic historical shifts ripple through ordinary lives. The beauty lies in how she balances these weighty themes without ever letting politics overshadow the deeply personal journeys of her protagonists.
Fair warning: this is emotionally intense territory. Kamali doesn't shy away from the weight of her characters' struggles, creating a reading experience that's both cathartic and heart-wrenching. But it's also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of female friendship.
The Lion Women of Tehran reminds us that some friendships shape us so profoundly that they echo across decades, continents, and even betrayals. It's a story about becoming the women we're meant to be, even when history itself seems determined to stop us.
If you're looking for your next unforgettable read or searching for that perfect book club selection, The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali deserves a spot at the top of your list. This powerful novel offers so much more than just a compelling story—it's a bridge to understanding, a celebration of friendship, and a masterclass in resilience.
A Friendship That Transcends Time and Circumstance
At its heart, this novel is a love letter to friendship—the kind that shapes us, sustains us, and sometimes breaks our hearts. Kamali masterfully portrays the bond between Ellie and Homa, two young women whose lives become intertwined in 1950s Tehran. Their friendship feels authentic and lived-in, reminding us of those special connections we've all had—perhaps like that best friend from childhood who knew all your secrets and dreams. The way their relationship evolves through decades of separation and reunion will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of lasting friendship.
A Window into Iranian Culture That Challenges Stereotypes
This novel offers readers a nuanced, humanized portrayal of Iranian people and culture that goes far beyond newspaper headlines. Kamali paints a vivid picture of Tehran's vibrant society, from the bustling bazaars to the intimate family gatherings, showing us the complexity and richness of Iranian life. For readers seeking to broaden their understanding of the world, this book provides an authentic glimpse into a culture often misrepresented in Western media, helping us see beyond political tensions to the universal human experiences that connect us all.
Historical Context That Brings the Past to Life
Set against the backdrop of Iran's tumultuous political changes in the mid-20th century, the novel provides fascinating historical context without ever feeling like a history lesson. Kamali seamlessly weaves political events into her characters' personal stories, making the upheaval of the era feel immediate and personal. Readers will gain insights into how ordinary people navigated extraordinary times, making this an excellent choice for book clubs interested in historical fiction that illuminates lesser-known periods and places.
Rich, Evocative Writing That Transports You
Kamali's prose is both lyrical and accessible, creating vivid scenes that will transport you straight to the dusty streets of Tehran or the snow-covered landscapes of Massachusetts. Her writing style strikes the perfect balance between literary depth and page-turning readability, making it, again, an ideal choice for book clubs with diverse reading preferences. The sensory details—the scent of saffron, the taste of bazaar ice cream and sugar-coated almonds, the sound of traditional music, the feel of silk scarves—create an immersive experience that will linger in your memory.
Themes That Spark Meaningful Discussion
This novel tackles universal themes—love, loss, sacrifice, identity, and the price of pursuing our dreams—in ways that will generate rich book club conversations. Questions about loyalty versus personal freedom, the impact of political upheaval on individual lives, and the ways women navigate patriarchal societies will provide plenty of material for thoughtful discussion. The characters' choices are complex and sometimes controversial, ensuring lively debates about what you might have done in their shoes.
The Lion Women of Tehran isn't just a book you read—it's a book you experience, discuss, and remember. Whether you're enjoying it during a peaceful evening at home or unpacking its layers with fellow readers, this novel provides the kind of substantive, heart-stirring narrative that satisfies on every level.
Get Marjan Kamali Books
Marjan Kamali's beautifully crafted novels offer deeply moving portrayals of Iranian women navigating love, friendship, and resilience across cultures, perfect for readers seeking emotionally rich stories that challenge stereotypes and celebrate the universal bonds of sisterhood.
Bookshop.org was created as a socially conscious alternative to Amazon, with the goal of helping local, independent bookstores thrive. This is why Readers With Wrinkles supports their efforts. Please join us in this effort by purchasing your next read here.
These recommendations all share the powerful combination of intimate female relationships set against larger historical and political backdrops that make The Lion Women of Tehran so compelling. They explore similar themes of courage, friendship, and women's determination to forge their own paths despite societal constraints.
- The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
This is actually by the same author! Set across 60 years, it tells the touching story of Roya, a teenager in Tehran who falls in love with Bahman during the political turmoil of the 1950s. They're separated and reunited six decades later. Like The Lion Women of Tehran, it explores themes of young love, cultural expectations, identity, and how political conflict impacts personal lives. - As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh[1]
A devastating yet hopeful story that's both beautifully written and emotionally charged. This powerful novel deals with war and its impact on young people, particularly focusing on strong female characters navigating impossible circumstances. - The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
An epic multigenerational saga that follows a Vietnamese family through decades of war and upheaval. Like Kamali's work, it explores how political turmoil shapes personal relationships and family bonds across generations. - A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Another powerful story of female friendship and resilience set against political upheaval in Afghanistan. This novel shares the themes of women supporting each other through oppressive regimes and personal challenges. - The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
One reader specifically mentioned this has "similar themes" to The Lion Women of Tehran. It's another story exploring women's rights and resilience across generations, with strong cultural and political elements. - The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Set in Cyprus with Middle Eastern influences, this novel features female protagonists and incorporates magical realism. The story deals with historical partition and cultural conflict, told through exquisite prose. - The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
Another Elif Shafak novel featuring strong female main characters. It explores themes of identity, family secrets, and cultural heritage with the same depth and emotional resonance.
The Lion Women of Tehran Printable BOOKMARKS
Keep your book club members coming back!
Collect a new bookmark for every book you read!
Your book club will love this special memento for this incredible book!
Comments