The Lion Women of Tehran

By: Marjan Kamali

Narrated by: Mozhan Navabi, Nikki Massoud

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

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.

©2024 Marjan Kamali (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Amazing writing

This was an amazing read. Don’t hesitate. The story was easy to follow, had me on the edge of my chair wanting to know what happened next and also tugged at my heart. I will absolutely read another book by this author.

Wonderful story Awful Narration

Why o why can't we get narrators that can pronounce words in Farsi correctly? The person narrating Elahe's parts pronounces even the name Elahe with an American accent! I rather have narrators that read with a Persian accent but pronounce the Farsi words and phrases authentically than narrators that have crisp American accents. I now wish I had read the physical book rather than listened to it because it was so irksome to listen to these accents.

History of Iran from female perspective

I loved reading about the History of Iran from female perspective. I didn’t think it was the most well written book, but it was a very good and honest story , with good presiónalos developments of the characters, and I do highly recommend it

Beautiful story of friendship, love and sacrifice 💙

I really enjoyed this story. Full of friendship, laughter and the sacrifice of two friends. Lots of history and perspective I never knew about. Great narration too!

a suprise

this book was chosen for book club
I didn’t know what to expect but it was well worth the read
I would recommend it

Amazing story of strength

Great story of the struggles of women and a country. Helpful in gaining a perspective of the continued strife in the country.

The strength of the Iranian women.

This book is similar to Marjan Kamali other book the stationary shop. It’s a different story with different characters and takes place during times of oppression, revolution, and the fight for democracy.

Amazing depiction of true friendship.

Loved this book and learned much about Tehran and was reminded of how unshakable true friendship can be.

Women’s Legacies

Loved the characters, the historical content and the storyline. Each character was developed with such depth that I felt I knew them intimately. The ability for me to be intrigued to know the most I could know even when I disliked the character is not usual for me. Sadly I see so much of this story being repeated in the US right now.

Lovely story of friendship

I liked the story and I appreciate learning about other cultures. The book was much enjoyed because of the audio version since the pronunciations of the Persian language is correct, I assume.