June BOTM: The Lion Women of Tehran
Details
Join us to read The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali!
In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives in grand comfort until the untimely death of her father, forcing Ellie and her mother to move to a tiny home downtown. Lonely and bearing the brunt of her mother’s endless grievances, Ellie dreams for a friend to alleviate her isolation.
Luckily, on the first day of school, she meets Homa, a kind girl with a brave and irrepressible spirit. Together, the two girls play games, learn to cook in the stone kitchen of Homa’s warm home, wander through the colorful stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and share their ambitions of becoming “lion women.”
But their happiness is disrupted when Ellie and her mother are afforded the opportunity to return to their previous bourgeois life. Now a popular student at the best girls’ high school in Iran, Ellie’s memories of Homa begin to fade. Years later, however, her sudden reappearance in Ellie’s privileged world alters the course of both of their lives.
Together, the two young women come of age and pursue their own goals for meaningful futures. But as the political turmoil in Iran builds to a breaking point, one earth-shattering betrayal will have enormous consequences.
### ✨ What to Expect
A relaxed, welcoming discussion (no pressure to be a literary expert!)
Guided questions to spark conversation
Space to share favorite characters, moments, and theories
Friendly space for those who enjoy thoughtful conversation and a bit of chaos
You’re welcome to come even if you didn’t finish the book — just be aware there may be spoilers during discussion.
### 🧋 What to Bring
Yourself!
Optional: snacks or a drink, depending on the venue (more details will be shared when we post the location)
Your thoughts, hot takes, and favorite quotes
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### 📍 Location Details
The exact location will be posted closer to the event date. Keep an eye on the event page for updates on where to find us and any venue-specific details. We’ll also share tips on how to spot our group when you arrive.