The novel begins in December 1981 with Ellie living and working in New York when she receives a letter from Homa who still lives in Tehran. Homa wants Ellie to phone her urgently. Ellie has not seen or heard from Homa for many years and reading Homa's letter causes Ellie to review her past life.
Part one of the novel is set in Tehran from 1950 to July 1953. Initially seven year old Ellie lived in a large house in a wealthy section of Tehran with her her parents. But her life changed when her father died and her uncle moved Ellie and her mother to a small house in a poorer part of the city. The upside of the move was that Ellie was now allowed to go to school where she met Homa who became her best friend. The two girls enjoyed school and vied for being selected top of their grade. Ellie also enjoyed visiting Homa's home after school where she was accepted as part of the family.
However Ellie's mother is not impressed with her daughter associating with someone from the poorer quarter of town, even though they are no longer well off themselves. Then in mid 1953, Ellie's life changed again when her mother married her uncle and they moved back to a more exclusive location in Tehran providing Ellie with the opportunity to go to a better quality school and make new friends who do not live in the poorer section of Tehran. Ellie reluctantly said goodbye to Homa and Homa's family and the place where she felt at home.
Part two begins in late summer 1960 and continues to November 1963. Ellie has settled into her new school and made new friends, especially Niloo and Sousan. She has also met Mehrdad, a student at the local boys' high school. Then Homa appears in her classroom as a new student. It is not long before Ellie and Homa re-establish their former relationship. The girls must study hard to win a place at university as Homa wants to be a lawyer and then possibly a judge while Ellie plans to study English. Mehrdad wants to study science.
The politics of the country have changed. When the Shah took over power from the elected prime minister Homa's father was imprisoned for being a communist - a possible threat to the new regime. Meanwhile Ellie's mother enjoys once again experiencing her previous life. Women continue to have access to education and have relative freedom in their country however if they leave their husband they lose all access to their children. Men still have legal power over women. Homa joins the communist party but Ellie refuses to join her.
At a party to celebrate Niloo's engagement Sousa's husband, a colonel in the army, seeks out Ellie and asks her lots of questions about her friends. When Homa is arrested, Ellie realises that the colonel is a spy.
Part three - November 1963 to 1977. Homa is imprisoned for six months. When in December 1964 Ellie learns where Homa is living she visits her. Homa has married Abdol, a friend of Mehrdad. Homa also has a daughter. The visit is not a success and Homa makes it clear that she does not want to see Ellie again.
In June 1965 Ellie and Mehrdad marry. Their plan to have five or six children, or even one, does not eventuate. Mehrdad continues his studies part time and when, in 1977, he receives an offer to study in the USA for two years they decide to accept.
Part four - 1965 to 1981 - describes Homa's life in Tehran where she and Abdol look after their daughter, Bahar. Homa is determined that the events of the past will not define who she is now. Although her dreams of becoming an lawyer are over she enrolls in teachers' college and becomes a teacher at a local high school.
By 1977 protests have begun against the Shah and his regime. In January 1979 the Shah leaves Iran to be replaced by Ayatollah Khomeini. At first the people are jubilant until in March the announcement is made that women must wear veils outside their homes. On International Women's Day the women of Tehran march in protest. Homa and Bahar join them. Homa forms a group to protect the rights of women. In 1980 a war with Iraq begins. This is when Homa realises that Tehran is not a safe place for her daughter.
Part five - 1977 - September 2022. Ellie and Mehrad settle into their new lives in America but are aware of what is happening in Iran. In 1978. Ellie's mother comes to visit her and during the visit Ellie finally gains information that her mother had withheld from her. Before returning to Tehran Ellie's mother advises the family to remain in the USA. Iran has become too dangerous, especially for women.
When Ellie contacts Homa she agrees to allow Bahar to stay at her home in New York so she can finish her studies. Bahar soon settles in. When Homa comes to visit Ellie shows her friend around the city, but she also wants to clear the air about events that occurred in Tehran. Ellie tries to convince Homa to apply for a visa to stay in America.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali, as well as being about political events occurring in Iran since the 1950s, is also a novel about the value of lasting friendships, general relationships and culture. It is a novel about facing challenges and trying to survive in difficult times as the life you have known is no more.
The 'Lion Women' in the title refers to a discussion held in July 1953 when Homa tells Ellie that when they grow up they will both become lionesses. They will live their lives for themselves and help others. They will be strong women who make things happen (p38). The term lion women to describe determined women with strong ideals occurs several times throughout the novel.
This novel was the chosen title for discussion by the Monash University Book Club for October 2026.
References:
Iran in the twentieth century - Asia Society
Timeline: a modern history of Iran - PBS
The evil eye - My Persian Kitchen
Discussion:
The Lion Women of Tehran - Reading Discussion Guide
The Lion Women of Tehran - Supersummary.com
The Lion Women of Tehran - Bookclubs
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