The Lion Women of Tehran — Marjan Kamali
Marjan Kamali’s The Lion Women of Tehran is a richly textured historical novel that entwines intimate friendship with seismic political change. Spanning from the 1950s in Tehran into the later decades, the story follows two girls, Ellie and Homa, whose bond becomes a lens through which we witness upheaval, identity, betrayal, and ultimately, endurance.
Plot & Setting
We begin with Ellie, born into comfort, but soon shifted into hardship when her father dies. She meets Homa in primary school — Homa is spirited, from a less privileged background, but passionate and fearless. Their early friendship blossoms over school lunches, whispered dreams, and shared hopes. As the years pass, their lives diverge: class differences, political unrest, personal choices pull them apart. The backdrop of Iran’s shifting political landscape — the shah’s rule, opposition movements, revolution — is never incidental; it actively shapes Ellie’s and Homa’s lives, decisions, and losses.
Characters & Themes
Ellie is the narrator. She is thoughtful, sometimes conflicted, trying to balance loyalty, comfort, ambition, and fear. Her journey is not linear. She makes mistakes, is sometimes naive, but Kamali ensures her inner life feels believable: regrets, self-deception, desire for safety versus yearning for purpose. Homa, by contrast, is idealistic, principled, and defiant. She becomes a voice for activism and women’s rights in Iran. Through her, the novel explores how courage costs something — emotionally, socially, personally. Friendship becomes a test, not only of affection but of values.
Themes like female empowerment, loyalty, identity, political resistance, and cultural heritage are woven throughout. The title concept of “lion women” (shir zan) is powerful: women who roar against injustice or refuse to be silenced. The cultural details- the smells, food, customs, social expectations— give texture and reality to the story, making Tehran almost a character itself.
Strengths
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Emotional resonance: The friendship between Ellie and Homa feels real — its highs, its betrayals, its longing. Kamali doesn’t idealize the bond; there are hurts, misunderstandings, silences that linger.
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Historical sweep with personal stakes: The wider politics are neither a lecture nor a background only; they change lives, force decisions.
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Atmospheric writing: Scenes of Tehran, the bazaars, homes, schools — Kamali’s prose evokes senses: colors, smells, sounds. You feel the tension, the beauty, the danger.
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Relevance: Issues of women’s rights, the cost of speaking truth, migration/emigration, identity in exile — these are timely. Even readers unfamiliar with Iranian history will find parallels and lessons.
Weaknesses
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Pacing slippage: There are middles of the book where the momentum slows. Some readers might feel carried over sections with heavy exposition or reflection, rather than action.
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Occasional sentimentality or predictability: Some plot turns can feel familiar in historical-friendship fiction; certain dialogue or emotional beats may verge on expected tropes. A few readers have noted that character flaws could have been deeper, especially for characters who seem too “ideal.”
Verdict
The Lion Women of Tehran is an absorbing, heart-wrenching novel that brings together the personal and the political in a way that lingers long after the final page. For anyone interested in friendship stories, women’s history, or Iran’s past, this book is a compelling read. It won’t always be easy — heartbreak and moral complexity are part of the journey — but Kamali’s voice is generous and honest.
