This is a beautiful and moving story following two friends from adolescents to adulthood and how they weave in out of each other's lives. Starting in the 50s in Iran you get so much of the history of the country and the effects that had on these characters. This is a story I'll remember for a long time because it was so honest and I can not recommend it more.

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. This story begins with a friendship of two young girls in Iran and goes through their shared and individual lives as they go in and out of each other's lives. Reading about the changes that women in Iran experienced with political turmoil made me really think about what I see in the news about Iran. The end of the book made me tear up with the power of women.

The history of life under the Shah told through a lens of friendship between two girls. Beautifully written and descriptive. I loved it and was so attached to Homa by the end of the novel. Not to be missed!

The strength and resilience of women and a profound friendship drive this incredible story of hope for a better future. Iran at the time was ruled by the Shah and his private army.

Ellie, aged seven, has her life upended after the death of her father. She and her snobby mother must leave their mansion in Tehran and move into an impoverished area of town. Ellie is forbidden to mix with the kids playing outside. Enrolled in school, Ellie meets Homa, a vivacious, intelligent, adventurous child. They become inseparable. Since Homa is banned from Ellie’s home as undesirable, Ellie spends her time at Homa’s. There, she is welcomed by the family she wished she had. She learns about love and standing alongside Homa to cook Persian food. She also learns that Homa has adopted her father’s love of Communism and seeks to study law, become a judge and fight for equality for women. Homa sees them as Lion Women. Throughout Ellie’s life, she has been indoctrinated by her mother to marry well and have children. Ellie does not see herself as fierce.

Ellie’s mother moves them back uptown to a bigger house and new private school. Pining for Homa, Ellie finally climbs out of her despair. She becomes popular, is top in her class, has friends, finds a boyfriend and dreams of marriage. Homa, through hard work, is able to join Ellie at her fancy school. They soon pick up their friendship. Homa convinces Ellie of her need to join her and Ellie’s boyfriend at the University of Tehran. Even with their differing politics, their friendship remains.

During college, a cataclysmic event occurs that leaves both young women changed forever. Can their friendship withstand a betrayal, guilt and time? How Kamala has them navigating their lives from under the Shah to life under the Ayatollah to present day will keep you glued to the pages.

While this is a book of fiction, it is a very believable snapshot of how under two regimes women’s rights keep eroding and calls for the need to take action. It is a brave story that needs to be told.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Special thanks to NetGalley for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions. My rating is a solid 5 stars. I am a fan of the beautiful writing of Marjan Kamali. I am a bit biased because I am a fan of Farsi, such a love language. I was excited to receive this copy as I also loved the Stationery Shop.

Ms. Kamali walks us through the 50's up until the present and I laughed and cried as Ellie (oh! I love the name Elaheh) and Homa found each other, lost touch and then were reunited. We are taken through the grand bazaar, the beautiful kitchens and food and of course the changing political climate.

I laughed and cried through the coming of ages, the betrayal(s) and the forgiveness. The common theme throughout is the strength and valor of the Iranian women. They truly are the Lion Women. I am excited to see what the author writes about next.

"The Lion Women of Tehran" is a tapestry that intricately weaves together the threads of an extraordinary friendship, transcending time, societal constraints, and political upheavals. From the tender age of 7 through the trials of their 70s, Ellie and Homa, the protagonists of this poignant narrative, embody a friendship that defies all conventional norms, forming the beating heart of a tale that is both joyful and haunting.

Set against the backdrop of the Shah's regime and later the religious intolerance of Ayatollah Khomeini's rule, the narrative unfolds as a compelling exploration of the human spirit in the face of political turmoil. The author masterfully depicts the palpable tension and looming shadows of oppression, making every page a resonating echo of an era marked by uncertainty and fear. Through the lens of Ellie and Homa's lives, the reader is taken on a journey that transcends mere historical documentation, delving deep into the emotional core of a nation in flux.

The beauty of "The Lion Women of Tehran" lies in its ability to capture the essence of female empowerment and liberation. Ellie and Homa, born into different circumstances and distinct class divisions, navigate a world that seeks to confine and define them. Yet, against all odds, their friendship flourishes, serving as a testament to the strength that lies within the hearts of Iranian women. The narrative unfolds with a delicate balance of joy and sorrow, celebrating the triumphs of resilience and the enduring power of the female spirit.

One of the book's most compelling aspects is its unwavering focus on the enduring bond between Ellie and Homa. Even as the characters face imprisonment and years of separation, the unbreakable thread of their friendship remains, a testament to the indomitable nature of human connection. The author's narrative prowess shines as they navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and sacrifice in a world fraught with adversity.

"The Lion Women of Tehran" is not merely a historical account; it is a celebration of the undying spirit of friendship and the resilience of women against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Iranian history. This book, with its prose and rich character development, deserves a prominent place on reading lists, particularly for female high school students. It serves as an inspirational ode to the strength of women and the enduring power of bonds that transcend time and circumstance. In an age where stories of female empowerment are crucial, this book stands tall as a beacon of hope and a celebration of the lion-hearted women who refuse to be silenced.

Wow. This was wonderfully spectacular in every sense of the word. It was a hauntingly tragic and beautiful and I think it’s a story I’ll forever carry with me. It touched deep in my heart and I am so grateful for Kamali for writing this book.

I was annoyed by Ellie’s mom for the longest time but I think Kamali did a beautiful job of humanizing this very imperfect person who did want the best for her daughter. I also felt like Ellie’s frustrations with her mother diminished once bigger, more life changing events happened.

Ellie and Homa are most certainly lionesses. Even though they live much different lives they are both powerful women who have overcome so much hardship. While a work of fiction, I have no doubt that this book reflects real lives in Iran.

A heart-rending story of friendship & family set amidst the backdrop of Iran from the 1970’s to present.
Gorgeous cover artwork & significance.

With thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books for this e-ARC.

I absolutely loved this book, and have already promised a copy to my best friend for her birthday.
Such a beautiful portrayal of friendship and loyalty between two women from very different backgrounds and of different personalities.