What a great read! I recommend this to anyone interested in Iran, women's rights, and coming of age stories. The characters were so well developed and the plot kept me interested until the last page. Ellie and Homa meet at age 7 in school in 1950s Tehran. This title follows their lifelong friendship. Ellie loves being at Homa's house; Ellie's mom is depressed since Ellie's dad died and life at home is not happy. When Ellie and her mother move back to a wealthier lifestyle, the girls lose touch. Throughout the years their lives intertwine. Parts of the story are at university in Tehran, protests, NYC and the story covers decades of change in Tehran and the world. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

This story was beautiful! I can't wait to go back and read the other book by this author! This is the story of two young women who met when they were seven, Ellie and Homa. This book covers their lives and their friendship over the years. Even though they are best friends, there are some major ups and downs in their friendship. I also learned a lot about the unrest in Iran, and how hard the people had to fight. Another thing I liked about the book was the end. This was just a lovely book about friendship! Highly recommend!

Just like her last, this was absolutely stunning. Equal parts breathtaking, moving, and lovely, I really liked this. I dare someone to read this and not become just a bit more empathetic.

I very much enjoyed The Stationary Shop, so when I saw the author had an upcoming release, I requested it with no hesitation. The Lion Women of Tehran is a story about two lifelong friends, Ellie and Homa. Circumstances bring them together, and the book deals with how they come of age in late 50s/early 60s Tehran. This is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of tumultuous Iran, and for me I very much enjoyed it as an opportunity to learn and understand better the revolution and current political climate within Iran.
As with The Stationary Shop, the writing is well done, with distinct character voices, each easily distinguished from the other, as well as a satisfying story arc as each woman presents her perspective on their friendship as it grows and changes over time. Ellie is a wealthy woman and Homa is not, and that clearly skewed their perspectives on the time and their relationship with each other.
Overall, this book was an easy 4 star read for me. Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

I really enjoyed this story of Ellie and Homa from their time as young girls together in Iran to the paths they traveled as adults. The story is a wonderful commentary on friendship and the misunderstandings and slights that can harm a friendship. The author also weaves the issues of class and the place of women in society.

As an American, it was fascinating to watch the story of Iranian politics play out and reflect that in many ways I can see the same progression here in America. Having been 18 when the hostages were taken it was also interesting to learn more about what was happening in their society at that time.

Beyond the political background, this is just a good entertaining read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the Lion Women of Tehran in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting book set in Iran and the US. It starts off in the 1950s in Iran where two young 7 year old girls meet at school and form a long-lasting friendship. One girl comes from a poor family. The country is ruled by the Shah, who is supported by the US, but there is a lot of political unrest with Communism and Khomeini having many of their own supporters. Homa's father is a Communist and gets arrested. When Ellie moves to a better neighborhood and school, the girls lose touch until Homa reappears in Ellie's life when she gets a scholarship to go to Ellie's school. They both graduate high school with good grades and go on to study at Tehran University. By then the country is in civil unrest with the Shah's secret army arresting all dissidents. Ellie ends up in the US and Homa has a very different life in Iran. A good read with lots of information about Iran.

I was so excited to pick this up after LOVING the author's previous book The Stationary Shop, but this title did not live up to it's senior for me. I found our primary narrator Ellie insufferable, and the writing for her chapters bland and slitting. In contrast Homa's chapters were where this book shown, they were lyrical and full of heart in a way Ellie's never were. I could not understand why we were spending so much time with a character like Ellie when Homa was so much more interesting. I wish we had more of a 50-50 with their narrations and got to explore the contrast a bit more. Ellie was NOT a lion woman at all, she was complacent and self-serving. I understand Kamali really cared for this character but I couldn't understand the appeal.

Ellie and Homa are childhood friends in Tehran in the 1950's. After Ellie's widowed mother remarries and she ends up in a better neighborhood and better school, their friendship fades. This book tells their stories over many years. It mostly is told by Ellie so when the narrator switches briefly to Homa about half way through the book it was a bit jarring. However, Homa gradually becomes a bit more of the narrator. Kamali is an author who does a great job writing historical fiction that doesn't demand too much, making her somewhat heavy story lines have a light feel to them.

So lovely! Beautifully written story of women's friendship through very hard times, including betrayal and forgiveness. I cried at several places and highlighted many quotes. Book clubs will love this historical fiction set in Iran and New York City through the late 1950s through early 1980s.

There were so many things to love about The Lion Women of Tehran (publication date July 2, 2024) by Marjan Kamali, including long-lasting female friendship, the historical setting in 1950s and 1960s Iran, and beautiful writing.

I was immediately enthralled by the story of 7-year old Ellie (Elaheh), the only child of a widowed mother, who has to move to a new neighborhood after her father dies, and meets Homa in school. Ellie’s mother is a snob, disliking the new neighborhood and children who play in the alleys, but Ellie and Homa become fast friends anyway, competing for the top of the class and having adventures. Ellie loves cooking with Homa’s mother at their house and spending time with their family. But when one of their adventures goes too far, Ellie’s mom marries her uncle and they move to a nicer neighborhood. They try to stay in touch, but it’s difficult when they don’t see each other at school.

Ellie and Homa meet again in high school, when Homa is accepted to Ellie’s prestigious girls’ school, and wins over all of her friends. Homa is political as always, working for the communists, who want to overthrow the Shah. Ellie has fallen in love with a good man, Mehrdad, and they’re all planning to go to college together. But Ellie has her first alcohol at a party, and says things to the wrong person that result in Homa being jailed. She knows it’s her fault, but she doesn’t know how to fix it.

When Homa returns from jail, 6 months pregnant and newly married to another friend who has rescued her from the impossible life of an unwed mother in 1960s Iran, Homa tries to rekindle their friendship and apologize, but Homa wants nothing to do with her. Ellie knows she deserves it.

Eventually, in the late 1970s, Ellie and Mehrdad, who were never able to have children of their own, move to the United States for Mehrdad’s academic work, and also because things in Iran are getting more heated. It’s the time of the American hostages and the Shah being deposed, and the Ayatollah Khomeini being put into power. A few years later, Homa reaches out to Ellie in New York City–can she and Mehrdad share their place with her daughter, Bahar, to get out of Iran and finish high school in the U.S.? The fundamentalists are making it especially difficult for young women, who are subject to severe punishment if even a strand of hair is visible from beneath their veils and Homa is so worried.

The only criticism I have is some anti-fat bias. Ellie notes that her mother doesn’t want her to be “too fat” and that she considered herself chubby. Homa’s nickname for Ellie even refers to her loving to eat, which Ellie didn’t mind, thinking that “Homa accepted my chubbiness as a fact and not as a vice.” These instances are not frequent, no more than 3-4 times through the entire book, but I don’t think they were really necessary.

Nevertheless, I still really enjoyed The Lion Women of Tehran and recommend it for fans of historical fiction set in countries other than the United States.

Set in Iran during the 1950s and beyond. This is the story of two friends who grow up in Iran, one from a lower economic class who grows into a strong political activist, and the other an upper middle-class girl with less interest in the happenings in the world around her. I liked having the two different viewpoints and the look at different aspects of Iranian society and politics. The author does a good job of blending history, culture, and the emotional and personal lives of her protagonists. However, I didn't much like Ellie and that impacted my enjoyment of the book as a whole.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

I knew on the first page that this was going to be a five star book. I was captivated by Ellie and Homa instantly. Their story, bravery, struggles, victories, and lives were so perfectly written that I felt all their emotions alongside with them. These women and the women of Iran will stay with me for a long time. Most definitely the best book of 2024 I’ve read so far. I can’t wait for people to get their hands on this and be talking about it!

I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down. It was such a good story and really made you think.

An excellent book that tells the story of the Iranian revolution through the eyes of two childhood friends. Two girls who are from different backgrounds and socioeconomic circles share an friendship that lasts a lifetime and a revolution. I learned so much about the proud women of Iran who just want to be able to go to school, earn a degree, and have a career. So sad that this wish that started in 1953 has still not been realized in 2024. Women are still beaten for not wearing a hijab. Just the existence of a "morality police" in Iran is unreal and intolerable.
Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC.

Marjan Kamali’s "The Lion Women of Tehran" is a breathtaking novel that captivated me from the very first page. This masterful story, set against the vibrant and tumultuous backdrop of Tehran over three transformative decades, beautifully explores the depth of friendship, the pain of betrayal, and the power of redemption.

Ellie and Homa's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Kamali’s evocative prose brings to life the rich culture of Iran, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Grand Bazaar, and the warmth of Homa’s stone kitchen. Their dreams of becoming “lion women” are a poignant thread that binds their hearts and ambitions through the years.

Kamali skillfully portrays the complexities of class and the societal upheaval during the Iranian Revolution, making this not just a story of personal growth, but a powerful reflection on the resilience and strength of women amidst political chaos. The evolution of Ellie and Homa's relationship, from innocent childhood games to the profound challenges of adulthood, is depicted with a sensitivity that is both moving and realistic.

Kamali’s ability to weave historical events with personal narratives is nothing short of extraordinary. Her storytelling not only educates but deeply moves the reader, making you cheer for these indomitable women who face immense adversity with grace and courage.

"The Lion Women of Tehran" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories of enduring friendship, cultural richness, and the unyielding spirit of women. This novel is an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you both heartbroken and hopeful. Truly deserving of all the stars, it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. If you loved 'The Stationery Shop' and 'Together Tea', you will really love this gem of a book. Bring tissues.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this advanced reader’s copy.

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (NetGalley ARC 7/2) This initially reminded me a bit of My Brilliant Friend. This is a story fundamentally about women’s friendship and a great way to learn about Iran’s history through a beautiful story. There were also luscious descriptions of food along the way and my heart aches for the experiences of the women of Iran but also of women everywhere as we experience this time period of backsliding when it comes to women’s rights. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The Lion Women of Tehran
Pub date: July 2nd, 2024


This novel is an homage to all Iranian women who have fought for their rights. This also can be extended to all women around the world who have stood up in the face of injustice.


Homa and Ellie become friends in childhood. They come from different socio-economical backgrounds, and they also have different aspirations and political views.
The Lion Women of Tehran is a story about atonement, forgiveness, hope, migration, and Iranian history and covers a period of 3 decades from the 50s to the 80s.
The story explores the human condition and its complexities weaved in a beautiful, moving, and heartwrenching novel.

Thank you, Marjan, for another novel that brings me closer to your homeland and culture and for showing us your readers about your country's history and people.

I extensively recommend it. If you are a very sensitive reader, please check the trigger warnings.

Thank you Gallery Books for the digital advanced reader's copy.
I loved it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Marjan Kamali for allowing me to review this powerful masterpiece. I highly recommend this beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful historical fiction novel to everyone. I love that we have multiple timelines and perspectives from different women as they grow up in Iran and how their different paths lead to very different lives as adults. This is now going to be one of my all time favorite books and certainly my favorite of the year. I have had other books by this author on my TBR for years and after reading this book I am going to read the rest of her backlist. I can’t wait for her next book! This book is just perfect. I have never said that about a book before. Thank you so much for opening my eyes and helping me to better understand what women and everyone in Iran have endured and continue to endure today. This book has my whole heart forever.

I love books that span decades and also love historical fiction and this one was done so well!

I absolutely loved the two main characters in this book- Homa and Ellie. I also loved that this was a book on friendship and the ups and downs that happen during a lifetime of friendship. It was an excellent coming of age story!

I felt completely immersed in this book and the descriptions were so rich! I enjoyed learning about the culture and all the food descriptions sounded so good. I found the history fascinating and it made me want to learn more.

I would definitely recommend this one. Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

There is much to like about this novel. I especially appreciated the descriptions of life in Tehran and the insight into the complexities of Iranian history since the 1950s. This backdrop was rendered with detail and an appreciation of how positions of power and privilege could quickly shift with the political winds (especially for women), and served to contextualize a coming of age novel about the friendship between two women. I thought this aspect of the novel was not quite as successful, as the character development often seemed a bit simplistic. In all, this was a decent novel and I know it will appeal to many lovers of historical fiction. However, I found the writing a bit pedestrian for my taste.

Iran/Tehran. 1950s: "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 of a friend to alleviate her isolation." Enter Homa, her spirited playmate with a family she envies. Ellie's circumstances change when her mother remarries and they re-enter their privileged, bourgeois life. BUT, Homa reappears and things change again.

This book also captures the events of the 1970s, the overthrow of the shah, the political upheaval/turmoil following, and the change in regime to a religious, oppressive state. So--I learned more about Iran.

Goes from Ellie and Homa's elementary and high school days, to college, and jumps foward in greater leaps [especially at the very end!].

Of coming of age, friendship, choices, women's struggles, guilt, jealousy, family, social customs [Iran] dreams, love and loss, politics, and so much more. At the core/heart of the novel --Ellie and Homa--throught the years,

I sensed some [but not all] of the plot lines [correctly]

A fast, easy, enjoyable read, I was captured at the start.

4.5, rounding up, but not literary fiction [to me].
Recommend.