"Elegant...A tender, beautifully written examination of two women--and their choices--over more than 30 years."
--Oprah Daily "Kamali writes beautifully and passionately about friendship, love, youth, conflict, aging and the challenges of sustaining meaningful relationships amid high-stakes Iranian politics. The novel is full of atmosphere, history, great food and two unforgettable heroines...[who] will endear and intrigue readers from the opening scenes to the last page - a must-read."
--NPR"Riveting...Reminiscent of
The Kite Runner and
My Brilliant Friend,
The Lion Women of Tehran is a mesmerizing tale featuring endearing characters who will linger in readers' hearts."
--BookPage"Kamali tells a moving story of an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and how a country's transformation, in turn, transforms the lives of two unforgettable women. Simultaneously heartbreaking and life affirming, it's a book that you won't be able to put down until you've read every word."
--Adrienne Brodeur, New York Times bestselling author of Little Monsters"With this masterful, heart-centered novel, Marjan Kamali has crafted a deeply honest look at the true meaning of friendship. Through Homa and Ellie we see the nuances of a perfectly imperfect love that withstands class differences, personal trauma, jealousy, war, and revolution. Their souls are forever intertwined and as a reader it is an honor to bear witness. This book made me incredibly proud to be an Iranian woman--a Lion Woman too."
--Shideh Etaat, author of Rana Joon and the One and Only Now"Marjan Kamali is at it again, this time bringing us a story of friendship and love set against the tumult and terror of the Iranian Revolution.
The Lion Women of Tehran is a novel about two girls, who grow up wanting very different things but are united by their affection for each other and their shared desire for a more egalitarian Iran. Kamali is a gifted storyteller at the height of her powers, who manages to connect the country's complicated history with its present and sing the praises of Iranian women who, even today, are fighting for the most basic of freedoms. If you liked
The Stationery Shop, you'll love
The Lion Women of Tehran."
--Rachel Beanland, author of Florence Adler Swims Forever and The House is On Fire