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Author Marjan Kamail grew up hearing the Persian phrase "shir zan" which literally means "lion women." It refers to women who are fierce, brave, and unstoppable. The character, Homa, was very much a "lion woman" as she risked her own safety for a better tomorrow.

The novel starts in the 1950s when Ellie's father died, and she and her mother moved to a poorer neighborhood in Tehran. The seven-year-old Ellie met the spirited Homa at school, and the two girls became best friends. Homa's mother taught the two girls how to cook her Persian family recipes, and became a second mother to Ellie. Her own mother was overprotective, and constantly worried about the "evil eye."

After a few years Ellie's mother remarried, and they returned to their privileged life. The girls reconnected when Homa won a scholarship to the elite high school that Ellie attended. They both attended college, but Ellie's biggest wish was for a happy marriage and family.

Iran was ruled by the Shah in those times, and his policies benefited the wealthy. Homa came from a poor family, and became very politically active with devastating personal consequences. Ellie and her husband had the opportunity to move to the United States, and felt that it would be unsafe to return to Iran.

When the Islamic fundamentalists later took over Iran, women's rights were taken away and the Morality Police established a religious dress code which included the hijab. Homa became a leader in the fight for women's rights, and still continued her protests as the book ended with her letter in 2022.

This is a novel about friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption. Mother-daughter relationships are also very important. Courage is displayed by the brave women of Iran who are involved in the ongoing fight for women's rights. "The Lion Women of Tehran" is highly recommended.