Review: The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali — Feminism, Resistance and Iranian Identity
Have you ever finished a book and wished you could experience it again for the first time?
That’s how I felt finishing The Lion Women of Tehran. Marjan Kamali’s new novel is a powerful story—it stays with you, full of emotion, resistance, and the quiet strength of women finding their voices.
A Story Rooted in Sisterhood
At the heart of this novel are Homa and Ellie—two girls bound by friendship, separated by class, and reunited by a hunger for change. Through Kamali’s poetic prose, their lives unfold across decades of political turmoil and cultural tension in Iran. Their relationship—complex, resilient, and deeply human—is the novel’s heartbeat.
Kamali explores what it means to be a woman caught between tradition and rebellion, in a society where identity and ambition often come at a cost.
Persian Food as Memory and Resistance
Food plays a beautiful, central role in this story. It’s not just nourishment—it’s memory, heritage, and connection. Reading about dishes like Shirazi salad inspired me to recreate them at home, using garden-fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint. In doing so, I felt more than just culinary curiosity—I felt part of something ancient and enduring. Want to try it yourself? I’ve included a simple recipe for Shirazi Salad at the end of this post.
Themes That Resonate
Feminism & Resistance
Kamali doesn't shy away from Iran’s patriarchal systems and the limitations placed on women. Homa’s determination to carve her own path—and Ellie’s journey toward self-realization—are bold acts of resistance in a society designed to silence them.
Class & Identity
The novel deftly unpacks class divisions, showing how privilege and poverty shape opportunity. Despite their differences, both women struggle with societal expectations that threaten to erase who they are.
Family, Love & Loyalty
Love is quiet but powerful here. Whether in friendship, family, or country, The Lion Women of Tehran celebrates love as both refuge and resistance.
Why This Book Moved Me
This isn’t a fast-paced read — and it’s not meant to be. Its beauty lies in its emotional richness: the quiet defiance, the cultural texture, and the vulnerability woven into each chapter.
Reading The Lion Women of Tehran reminded me that sometimes, strength looks like showing up anyway. That telling your story — especially in a world trying to silence it — is itself a revolution.
Where to Get the Book
Available now at:
Target
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Independent bookstores near you
Other Reads from My Bookshelf:
If The Lion Women of Tehran moved you, here are a few more titles I have recently read and enjoyed:
One Good Thing – A moving tale of friendship and cultural resistance in medieval Northern Italy
Last Twilight in Paris (Signed Edition) – Two women, two timelines, one haunting love story across Paris and London
Read my August review of "The End of Drum-Time."
Shirazi Salad Recipe
If you’re like me and want to try the dish mentioned in the book, here’s my go-to recipe for Shirazi Salad:
Ingredients:
2-3 large tomatoes, diced
2-3 Persian cucumber, diced (or 1 large English cucumber)
1 small red onion, finely chopped
A handful of fresh mint, chopped
2-3 tbsp olive oil
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
2. Add the chopped mint and gently mix everything together.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss well and enjoy the refreshing, zesty flavors of this classic Persian dish!
Let’s Talk About It
Have you read The Lion Women of Tehran?
What did you take away from Ellie and Homa’s story?
Share your thoughts below — or recommend another powerful read about resistance.