By: Jill Gunderson

Title: The Lion Women of Tehran
By: Marjan Kamali

We are finally deep into fall, and as we enter our cozy November era, I can’t help but introduce you to a completely captivating, richly deep and evocative story that I know will stick with you for years! “The Lion Women of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali is an immersive, coming of age novel that follows two girls who become best friends, and their journey that spans from the early ‘50s to the ‘70s. Their powerful story will leave you breathless! So, grab your pumpkin spice latte, and cozy up for an incredible read!

“The Lion Women of Tehran” is the story of two girls that meet at school in Iran when they are seven years old. It’s quite the unlikely friendship to say the least, but Ellie and Homa soon become inseparable. One is from the slums in Iran, while the other is upper class. One has royalty in her bloodline, and dreams of being a judge, fighting for women’s rights, while the other is raised to be a wife and a mom. One is bold and outspoken, and the other, shy and more reserved. Ellie’s mom never approved of their friendship, trying to keep them apart, but the two dream about being Lion Women together, making a difference in the world they live in.

One day, Homa disappears out of Ellie’s life through a misconstrued event, and there are feelings of utter betrayal, sadness and confusion. The two girl’s lives go in separate directions, and their childhood dreams are seemingly shattered. Until high school (and a surprise mid-semester transfer) that brings them back together. However, what happened when they were apart may not be salvageable.

“The Lion Women of Tehran” is told from the perspective of Ellie (we also get a few rare glimpses from Homa’s perspective as a bonus) and over the course of three different generations in their lives, going back and forth, slowly filling in the gaps of their story, highlighting their fight, their struggles, as well as their strength and resilience.

And food!! I felt as though I was walking in the bazaar with the girls, smelling the spices and tasting ice cream for the first time. I felt all the feels cooking in the kitchen with Homa’s mom, and falling in love with blending ingredients together to make a perfect, edible masterpiece. And let’s not forget the traditional family recipes that are passed down, adored, cherished and savored…I was drooling while reading!

This is beautifully written with characters that are richly developed. A deep and rich history important to its context around the Iranian revolution is laced throughout the pages. It highlights the hardships the Iranian women faced and all they did to overcome the obstacles of the lack of women’s rights. To say these lion women ROARED is an understatement, and you will not want to wait another minute to open this incredible tale!

Happy reading, Neighbors!

Jill xoxo

@ThatShelfLove

@JillGundersonAuthor