The Lion Women of Tehran

Written by Marjan Kamali

Narrated by Mozhan Navabi and Nikki Massoud

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

An “evocative read and a powerful portrait of friendship, feminism, and political activism” (People) set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran—from nationally bestselling author Marjan Kamali.

In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives in grand comfort until the untimely death of her father, forcing Ellie and her mother to move to a tiny home downtown. Lonely and bearing the brunt of her mother’s endless grievances, Ellie dreams for a friend to alleviate her isolation.

Luckily, on the first day of school, she meets Homa, a kind girl with a brave and irrepressible spirit. Together, the two girls play games, learn to cook in the stone kitchen of Homa’s warm home, wander through the colorful stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and share their ambitions of becoming “lion women.”

But their happiness is disrupted when Ellie and her mother are afforded the opportunity to return to their previous bourgeois life. Now a popular student at the best girls’ high school in Iran, Ellie’s memories of Homa begin to fade. Years later, however, her sudden reappearance in Ellie’s privileged world alters the course of both of their lives.

Together, the two young women come of age and pursue their own goals for meaningful futures. But as the political turmoil in Iran builds to a breaking point, one earth-shattering betrayal will have enormous consequences.

“Reminiscent of The Kite Runner and My Brilliant Friend, The Lion Women of Tehran is a mesmerizing tale” (BookPage) of love and courage, and a sweeping exploration of how profoundly we are shaped by those we meet when we are young.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jul 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9781797175348

Marjan Kamali

Marjan Kamali, born in Turkey to Iranian parents, is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lion Women of Tehran, The Stationery Shop, and Together Tea. She is the 2022 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Award. Her books have been translated into over thirty languages. Marjan lives with her family in the Boston area.   

Reviews for The Lion Women of Tehran

[Natalia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ellie as a main character is really annoying at times but I get that it’s necessary for the story. Such an interesting book that made me look for more about Iran and their history.

[Dennis Trask · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Speechless. I'm speechless. Very unlike Marjan Kamali, I just do not have the words. This book transported & enlightened me. I will read everything she ever writes.

[Daria · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book and marvellous narration - couldn’t put it down!

[Brenda Martinez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Muy bonita historia de amistad y es entretenido. Muy Recomendable.

[Joy Curry · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s a beautiful story that ties in the history of Iran and female, women’s rights. It’s a very good story and involves a lot of details about how Iran was back in the 60s 70s up till now.

[LS Fried · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Real characters, issues, wonderful writing, great presentation and fascinating voices

[cfkjv9j5d6 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an excellent book! Bravo! I could relate to so much… was a kid in Iran in the 70’s, came to America a year after the 1979 revolution. I loved all the Farsi transliterations. Beautiful and authentic! Thank you Marjan Kamali!

[Andrea Comfort · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this is my favorite book of 2024! I love both the story and learning about the history of Iran. It was excellent narration, highly recommended.

[Eleanor Carson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rarely have I felt so moved by the characters and events in a book. Recommended.

[Denise Delagarza Garza · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Despite what is going on in our country today- I would not want to be anywhere else

[shelly Thrasher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you for a book that made me think, it made me think of a place I really didn’t know much about a side from the political aspect. A completely different view that I needed to explore but probably never would have. Strong brave lionesses for sure May the many others like them continue to fight for their freedom wherever they may be.

[Mandy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have enjoyed the Iranian stories and authors I’ve been exposed to recently. Thank you for this one and telling me of “Sheerzan” and the women’s perspective of pre and post 1979 revolution etc

[annette Lane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Knowing about Iranian history this book guides one through the eyes of two young women what shaped Iran . I cried a lot . Almost Impossible to put the book down . A must read . One of the best books I have read

[Debbie Stecker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s a time in history I knew little about. I loved that it showed the strong women who fought and continue to fight for their country and for the rights of women. To me it was a bit of a cautionary tale of where America is headed if we don’t fight ( and vote) for laws and lawmakers who are concerned for all the citizens of this country

[Stephany Rivera · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I don’t know where to start.. the writing, the deep relationships and bonds, the story of forgiveness, the rich culture that seeps through these words… every woman no matter where your from should read this. I am inspired and above all wish to love like these women did.

[Laura Sainsbury · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent story about the strength of women, friendships and family. I loved this book and Marjan Kamali is now a must read author for me. It’s historical fiction and cultural awareness wrapped in a beautifully written story. Highly recommend this book!

[Jamie McDowell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A story that was so engaging and also one that deepend my understanding of the fight for womens freedom in Iran and around the world. Excellent narration.

[Melissa no.more.shelf.control · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Moving Story of Friendship amidst unimaginable turmoil. So beautifully narrated!