The Lion Women of Tehran

Somewhat formulaic. Very interesting culturally. overall enjoyed it.

Good story of strong young women and I learned at lot about their country and culture.

This is a great book! I enjoyed learning about the characters past and how they got to the books beginning. It was a great representation of friendship, sisterhood, the trials of long term relationships, and redemption.

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What’s it about?

Ellie is seven years old when she meets Homa on her first day in a new school. Ellie’s father has just died and she and her mother have been forced to move to a small apartment due to their reduced circumstances. In the 1950s, Tehran had a strict social structure and Ellie and her mother must make some accommodations in this new life. Spanning from 1950 to the present day we see Tehran through the eyes of Ellie and Homa.

What did it make me think about?

Iran- I knew so little about the country.

Should I read it?

This was a really good work of historical fiction. I learned a lot about Iran over the last 70 years. This story reminded me how blessed I am to have been born here in America. With all our problems we still have freedoms that many can only dream about. This novel also reminded me of what is so important about literature- the ability to stand in someone else’s shoes for a moment and learn about other lives. If you enjoy historical fiction or are looking for a book about the complexities and rewards of a long friendship, then you will enjoy The Lion Women of Tehran.

Quote-

“I took Homa to the East Room. She stood still, taking in all the books, the gold-leaf decorated ceiling, and the Persian rugs.

Once we were outside, she turned to me and said, no longer in a whisper, ‘Isn’t it funny, Ellie? No matter where you go or how far you travel, when you are in a place of substance, the floor is covered with the rugs of our country. The artwork of our land. Which means really, in all these places, you are with the labor of Iranian women.”

This book was fantastic and I think I liked it because it hit different genres, themes and settings: •Historical fiction; beautifully written about two families living completely different lives in Tehran, Iran (one living in poverty and the other in privilege) •Generational changes/change of culture and politics over decades •This book was all about family and friends (as well as the friends that become family) and most of all how you keep promises to yourself and to others during difficult times. •This book took place in Iran but also had a good portion that took place in New York City. •As the reader, we are able to see the juxtaposition between generations: an older generation of women that did not have the opportunity to get an education while their daughters were. Then those daughters who become educated and have jobs/careers then want change and more freedoms in their country which leads to protests and rioting. Those choices will have an impact on if their daughters will be able to get an education. This book covers so many facets and I think that is why I found it so captivating. I also believe that it was a great book to help understand the history of Iran a bit better and what freedoms the people living there now have or do not have.