The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali delves into the deep friendship between two women hailing from different parts of society during extreme political turmoil.
Set against Iran’s tumultuous political history from the reign of the Shah in the 1950s to the present-day fundamentalist government, the story revolves around Homa, a lifelong activist striving for women’s rights and equality, and Ellie, whose family is linked to royalty.
The narrative traces the lives of these two women, each with different dreams and ideologies, while maintaining the close friendship rooted in their childhood days.
Though both are advocates for women’s rights, Ellie’s privileged perspective conflicts with Homa’s unwavering fight against injustice, especially when women are targeted.
“Those eyes behind the tortoiseshell glasses for whom Homa had climbed a mountain. When she’d looked into them, she’d seen genuine goodness. She had predicted happiness for me… A fraction of possibility was opening up into a lifetime expanse.”
The central focus remains on the friendship between Ellie and Homa, which faces challenges after an irreversible mistake.
While Ellie’s love story adds a light touch, balancing Homa’s fervent activism, the narrative depicts Iranian traditions amidst political unrest, emphasizing the resilience of women fighting for better lives.
The novel addresses themes of social class, feminism, and political activism, shedding light on the struggles of women in Iran across generations.