The Lion Women of Tehran

I absolutely loved The Stationary Shop of Tehran and was excited to see Marjan had a new book out. The Lion Women of Tehran is the engaging and touching story of the complex friendship between Ellie and Homa. The two meet as 7 year olds and despite come from very different background and forge a lasting friendship that had its up and downs. I particularly enjoyed seeing them meet and bond over food as their friendship grew before deciding that they would become lion women. Set between Tehran and New York, from the 1950 to 2022, it was very interesting to learn about the religious, political and social change in Iran during this time. Kamali covers the history well and explores a number of relevant topics over the time such social class, women’s rights and political activism. A beautiful story of two amazing women and I’m glad to have spent the time getting to know them both.

“‘You know what we’ll both become when we grow up?’ ‘I do not,’ I said.
‘Shir zan. Lionesses. Us. … We are cubs now, maybe. But we will grow to be lionesses. Strong women who make things happen.’”

One of the most beautiful and moving stories I have read this year. Incredible.

In 1950s Tehran, Ellie lives a wealthy and privileged life, until the death of her father forces her and her mother to move downtown. She meets spirited Homa, and they become fast friends. From that fateful meeting, the story of Ellie and Homa grows, changes, and becomes tied up with the politics of 20th century Iran.

“The gift Homa had always given was simply to be my friend. Unconditionally.”

This story really pulled at my heartstrings. The writing is completely immersive, it felt like I dove into 1950s Tehran and beyond. Following Ellie and Homa through the decades was a heartfelt journey. I really felt the depth of the friendship and love shared between these two women, as well as the people around them. The story perfectly explores the complexities of friendship and how it can change as we grow up and life continually throws unexpected obstacles our way.

A beautiful story of deep love, sacrifice, overcoming incredible adversity, and the power of women, especially when we work together.

“She comes from lion women. From a line of women so strong, no one can destroy them.”

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for this ARC.

'With my pen, I hope to show you, dear reader, the joys and losses and loves and hopes and dreams and worries of two girls from Iran...I hope in their hopes, you see some of yours. I hope from their tale, you sense that all our hearts are one'.

In 1953 Tehran, there is a burgeoning hope for women. Whispers of modernisation has allowed schoolgirls to dream of attending university and having a career. When 7 year old Ellie, meets Homa at her new school, the girls become inseparable. Though they are from differing social circles, they are kindred hearts. However, when an event is misconstrued, resulting in an inadvertent betrayal, their bond is severed and their lives continue down divergent paths - not only from each other but from their childhood dreams.

This is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of political instability and unrest. It is told softly; unfurling from a sweet naivety, to a stark reality, leaving a stinging poignancy, 'We played and dreamed the world would be ours...we dared to believe two girls from Iran could have not just a little but actually all'. This story will make you reflect on loyalty, friendship, what it means to be a woman and the ties that bond humanity. It shines a light on how easily we take democracy for granted and forget that it is a right for which people have fought and continue to fight for. If you don't stand up for something, you settle for anything - whether that's for your friends, family, city or country.

'For a lifetime we have fought. We have fought and fought and fought. We want to be free. We want to be equal. We want to be able to live our lives'.

I have just found a new favourite author , yessss...it's Marjan Kamali

This is a beautiful story of friendship between Ellie and Homa. Both have different character and temperament, different upbringing, but they find friendship in each other. When Ellie was just seven years old, she lived just with her mother downtown in an unsafe neighbourhood. She met Homa for the first time at school, and the friendship just bloomed.

Over time and life changing circumstances, they drifted apart, but they reunited again in New York. The story stretched from 1950's to 1980's from Tehran to New York, and you'll follow their journey through their ups and downs of adolescence, the fractures of betrayal when they were young women, and the reunion when rebuilt their friendship.

Within a story of friendship, it also brought up the theme of feminism, Iran's politics following the Iranian Revolution in the 70s and 80s, social injustice, and immigration. The storyline of how these Iranian women fought for their freedom and equality made me shiver. This book will give you an emotional roller coaster, and I did not feel this story is enough, I still want more of these characters and their next generations.