June 3, 2024
I have never read anything else by this author, nor have I ever read anything about Iranian culture. I found myself at first mesmerized by this novel. Unfortunately, it seems written more for the young adult crowd than for anyone else. Let me amend that last sentence: MOST of the novel seems written for Y/A's.

It is a fascinating look into a culture I know little about, and it is a captivating history of Iranian women, politics, and the deep and abiding friendship of two women who met when they were 7 years old and kept their friendship going for most of a lifetime.

This was a fast and engrossing read, perfect for those who want to know more about the culture and what women have gone through and are going through now.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster, the author, and NetGalley. ( )

I chose this book as my birthday gift from Book of the Month Club. I knew little of the Iranian culture and wasn't sure that I wanted to know. However, this book held my interest from beginning to end and I finished it in a day and a half. It starts in Tehran in the 1950s with the friendship between Ellie and Homa when they are seven. We follow them through their grade school years. When Ellie moves away during high school, they lose touch until their senior year. While the girls come of age, the politics of Iran are happening in the background. A fascinating book, I am so glad that I read it. I've also ordered her other two books as well, The Stationery Shop and Together Tea. ( )

Marjan Kamali's "The Lion Women of Tehran" is a poignant and sweeping tale of friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of love and courage set against the backdrop of three tumultuous decades in Tehran, Iran.

The story follows Ellie, a young girl whose life takes a drastic turn following the untimely death of her father. Forced to move to a humble home downtown with her mother, Ellie longs for companionship and finds it in the spirited Homa. Together, they navigate the colorful streets of Tehran, dreaming of becoming "lion women" and defying societal expectations.

Kamali expertly captures the essence of Iranian society during pivotal historical periods, from the opulent 1950s to the upheaval of the Shah's regime and the Iranian Revolution. Through Ellie and Homa's intertwined lives, readers gain insight into the challenges faced by women in Iran, including issues of class, identity, and social injustice.

What sets this novel apart is Kamali's evocative prose and her ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships. The friendship between Ellie and Homa is depicted with warmth and authenticity, making it a central and compelling aspect of the narrative.

As the story unfolds, Kamali skillfully weaves together themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, culminating in a powerful exploration of how the people we meet shape our lives. Despite their flaws and differences, Ellie and Homa emerge as resilient and courageous women who defy societal constraints and forge their own paths.

"The Lion Women of Tehran" is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Kamali's rich storytelling, combined with her deep understanding of Iranian culture and history, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in compelling narratives and thought-provoking themes.

I received an advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are my own. ( )