‘The Lion Women of Tehran’ book review: Achingly beautiful

‘The Stationery Shop of Tehran’ by Marjan Kamali is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read. The writing is gorgeous. The plot is gripping, even though it reads a little like one of the countless Bollywood movies I’ve watched. The characters are well-crafted. You become so deeply invested in their lives that it’s difficult not to think about them every waking minute while reading the book and for a long time after you are done. I have recommended and gifted the book to a lot of relatives and friends and they have all had really good things to say about it. 

‘The Lion Women of Tehran’ is Kamali’s recent release which follows the lives of two girls Ellie and Homa from 1950 to 2022. In the 1950s, seven-year-old Ellie lived comfortably with her parents till the death of her father forced her mother to move to a tiny home. She is sent to the local school where she befriends a curly headed girl named Homa whose father is a waiter at a hotel. Ellie’s mother doesn’t like her being friends with ‘commoners’ as she is a ‘direct descendent of the royals.’ In an attempt to ensure Ellie has a privileged upbringing, her mother takes a bold step. Their lives change. For the better, this time. 

Soon Ellie forgets all about Homa, despite vehement promises to stay in touch and be friends for life. A few years later, Homa comes back into Ellie’s life, when Ellie would rather keep her past and present separate. However, soon the two pick up where they left off till things ultimately unravel because of an innocent mistake on Ellie’s part during the political turmoil in Iran. But its repercussions span generations and Ellie carries the guilt with her for the most part of her life.

Ellie and Homa are both great characters. They feel like people you know. Even the side characters like Ellie’s mother, uncle, and a few friends have been well fleshed out. It lends a real feel to the story. There is friendship, drama, love, family and political issues in the plot with friendship taking center stage. It’s fun, heartwarming, and a smooth read which reminds you of the value of the people you meet early on in life. It’s also a book about courage and being true to yourself despite your circumstances. All in all, I think it’s a great book that you shouldn’t miss out on. 

Fiction

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199798217-the-lion-women-of-tehran 

The Lion Women of Tehran

Marjan Kamali

Published: 2024 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 

Pages: 327, Paperback