On July 2, a dedicated group braved the scorching heat to discuss The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali at Books on Tap. Kamali is an Iranian-American who was born in Turkey and has lived in Iran and Germany. Originally published in 2024, The Lion Women of Tehran is her third book. The book centers around the friendship of two girls beginning in 1950s Tehran, following it as they grow apart and reconnect as teens and again as adults. 

Much of the discussion revolved around defining what it means to be a Lion Woman. One reader was disappointed that the Lion Women were not more lion-like. Others disagreed, saying that living their lives the way they did, given the way they were raised and the restrictions of their society, was to be lionnesses. A counter argument was that their behavior and actions were typical of the upper class at that time. 

The group considered the question of what constitutes bravery? Is being involved in protest movements the only way to be a lioness? One reader pointed out what constitutes an act of defiance depends on your situation and your upbringing. For example, as children, when they skipped school, that was a brave and subversive act for them. Another pointed out that for Ellie to take in Homa’s daughter, Behar, was an act of courage. Some pointed out that multiple characters were trying to protect others, much the way a lioness would protect her cubs. Ellie’s mother is protecting her from the truth about her father. Homa protects Ellie by refusing to confess. Homa is trying to protect Behar, an act shared by Ellie once she takes Behar into her home. 

Another important theme in the book was friendship over time, exploring the idea of those who leave and those who stay. For several, Ellie was really not a likeable character for much of the book, though it was pointed out that her mother, who raised and taught her how to behave, was also  not a nice person. But Ellie’s friendship with Homa pushes her to become more aware and a better person. For Homa, whose story was one of grief from the beginning, the friendship, where they find each other, lose each other, and find each other again, was a piece of hope that kept her going. While Ellie does inadvertently betray Homa, readers noted that it was not a malicious act. When Ellie confessed to Homa, Homa’s response was that they would have found me anyway. 

Some readers pointed out that this is a story of women’s rage. For Ellie, ignorance is bliss. But Homa is determined to make her aware because the more you know the angrier you become. Then the challenge is how to channel and best use that anger. But for some, it was Ellie’s deliberate effort to remain ignorant that led to her inadvertent betrayal of Homa. 

Another hot topic of discussion was Behar’s alcohol poisoning at the after-prom party. At least one reader thought it was unnecessary. Others found it not only realistic but also necessary. It happens to young people regularly in this country. And Behar had no real experience with alcohol. Another person pointed out the connection between her deep trauma and the relief she felt from drinking. Each drink led her through a broken part of her childhood, leading her to another drink. One reader pointed out that she had no reason to believe that she was in anywhere other than a completely safe space. 

Inevitably, the book also prompted discussion of the history of the time and potential contemporary parallels. For several attendees, the book succeeded at both teaching about a time period while also telling an engaging story. 

The group was asked which character they admired most. While at least one reader compared Ellie and her husband taking in Behar to families taking in and protecting people during the Holocaust, the majority were solidly Team Homa. She stayed in Iran and never stopped fighting. 

In the end, the consensus was that the book is a compelling story of friendship while examining what exactly does it mean to be a lioness.

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