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The Lion Women of Tehran

Author:
Marjan Kamali
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
169
Narrator
85
Release Date
July 2, 2024
Duration
10 hours 29 minutes
Summary
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From nationally bestselling author Marjan Kamali, this perfect book club read is “evocative...and a powerful portrait of friendship, feminism, and political activism” (People) set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran.

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.
Reviews
Profile Avatar Amanda L. Feb 2026

Loved this. My heart has feels

Profile Avatar Mandy R. Aug 2025

This book was so good. One of the best stories I’ve ever read and such a meaningful picture into Iran for women from 1950 to Present.

Profile Avatar Patti G. Apr 2026

Really lovely story about the love between friends and family, in a time of massive change, especially for women. Spans decades and continents, but feels intimate and focused. Well written characters and prose.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2024

Outstanding story.

Profile Avatar Kimma S. Apr 2026

A wonderful story a beautifully told. A story that reminds us how quickly freedoms can be taken. But also a story that shows us the strength of the human spirit.

Profile Avatar Kathy K. Mar 2026

Loved the book and the narration. Impactful story with insights into Tehran. Loved the closeness of the main characters across their differences as well as the twists you couldn’t see coming but made perfect sense once revealed.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Dec 2025

Wonderful in spirit, culture and strength.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Nov 2025

This book was so great. The narrator made you feel as if you were right in the story. Very riveting.

Profile Avatar Cheryl S. Nov 2025

Great story! Well written.

Profile Avatar Mary Beth B. Oct 2025

A rich, poignant book!

Profile Avatar Mariya S. Jul 2025

I had a constant feeling that the characters are copied from My Brilliant Fiend, expected more from this book

Profile Avatar Pamela D. Jul 2025

touching story. lots of interesting facts about the conflicts in Iran and the fight for women's rights .

Profile Avatar Birder Jul 2025

Powerful story beautifully told

Profile Avatar Lori T. Jun 2025

I loved this book. So interesting to learn about being a woman in Iran through the years….

Profile Avatar Ani S. May 2025

Love this book! Vividly described Iran, pre-revolution and post revolution entailing Homa and Ella life and their experiences

Profile Avatar Linda S. Apr 2025

I thought the story was beautifully written and quite moving. I thoroughly enjoyed this author and also recommend The Stationary Shop.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Apr 2025

Loved the book and the narrators’ voices!

Profile Avatar Kimberly B. Oct 2024

Fabulous story. The revolution took place. When I was in my 20’s. So easy to relate to. Excellent.

The Lion Women of Tehran

The Lion Women of Tehran

Author: Marjan Kamali
Read by: Mozhan Navabi
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