The Lion Women of Tehran

In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives a life of privilege—until her father’s sudden death forces her and her mother into a cramped home downtown. Isolated and bearing the weight of her mother’s discontent, Ellie longs for a friend.

She finds one in Homa, a spirited, big-hearted girl whose warmth and courage open Ellie’s world. Together they cook in Homa’s bustling kitchen, wander the vibrant stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and dream of becoming “lion women.” But when Ellie and her mother are given a chance to reclaim their former comforts, Ellie is swept into a new, privileged life—leaving Homa behind.

Years later, Homa reenters Ellie’s world, altering the course of both their lives as they come of age amid a nation on the brink of revolution. Their friendship—tested by class, ambition, and an unforgivable betrayal—will shape them forever.

Told in Marjan Kamali’s “evocative, devastating, and hauntingly beautiful” prose, The Lion Women of Tehran is a sweeping story of friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of love and courage.