“A beautiful, innocent friendship dominates the narrative and conveys the strong cultural roots of Iran through great and significant social change and upheaval.”
The Lion Women of Tehran spans decades and gives voice to the women that continually arise in the face of patriarchy and religiously dominated rule. Whilst the courage of the women is the golden thread throughout this tale, it is the story of a friendship from childhood that is the seam and strength of Marjan Kamali’s third novel.
Ellie and Homa meet when they are seven years old. At a time when Ellie needs a friend and Homa has a generous family to embrace lonely Ellie. With Homa by her side, Ellie can overcome the pretentiousness of her mother and their new circumstances in ‘downtown’ Tehran, 1950.
Political upheaval and social changes in Iran are a powerful backdrop as two girls simply play – be children in amongst the markets and dream of one day being ‘lion women’. Their bonds are forged and strong, but can they withstand regime tactics and social class piousness throughout the decades.
A beautiful, innocent friendship dominates the narrative and conveys the strong cultural roots of Iran in a very different time to what it is today. Circumstances and significant changes shift their stories and mar the dreams from their colourful formative years.
The Lion Women Of Tehran captures a snapshot of a regime rising in Iran and the fight for freedom for women continues even today.
If you’re inspired by cross-cultural fiction then this is a must.
Highly Recommended.
Sue Reid
Read By Reid NZ
Simon & Schuster
ISBN 9781398534773