The Lion Women of Tehran: The life-affirming BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick

Loved the book

A excellent and beautiful story of true friend ship.

3.5/5. Really slow and detailed, it’s painful to finish the inner details. I had to force myself to finish the political details. Maybe someone who loves historical politics won’t hate it. Plus the story felt too long. I mean, it could’ve been shortened. What I absolutely loved was the ending and the array of all emotions together. Happiness, the innocence of childhood, the angst of adolescence and the pain of adulthood. So yes it’s an okayish read. Loved stationary shop more than this one

Great book must read

Must read

Loved it

One of the most beautifully written books ever. The book captures strength, sisterhood and resilience in a moving way. The characters are unforgettable and emotions are raw and genuine. It celebrates courage and womanhood in a way that’s both heartbreaking and inspiring. Highly recommend!

The Lion Women of Tehran is a story of friendship,love, betrayal, politics and a constant longing for freedom. Freedom that the novel seeks is not just of a nation by its women. It shouts for liberty, equality and opportunities that women in every land deserves. Ellie and Homa forged a bond of friendship that has its own challenges. It undergoes the testing of time only to emerge stronger than ever. Homa is the spirit that Ellie seeks throughout her life. She is the passion, commitment and courage that every woman will welcome in her life. Her vigour is infectious. Power hates question and absolute power lothes it. It poses a challenge to those who enjoy the formidable status. Homa thus is a challenge to them. They try to crush her spirit, her purpose of life. She is imprisoned, raped and tortured. The brief fear of survival gives way to her insurmountable commitment for equality and respect for women rights. It's not just a novel but a cry for the respect and security that a woman deserves. Ellie is her safe haven, her home, her love they dream of becoming Lion women of Tehran. Their friendship makes the reader long for similar bonding. Their strength is their bonding which stands rock solid when faced with authorities. It is their protection against the evil eye. Their lifetime is a tale of commitment for each other and for all women who desire and deserve freedom.

Muy descriptiva, y con un mensaje enorme; el desarrollo de sus personajes y como se entrelazan las historias de cada uno,

Amazing story of friendship!

The Lion Women of Tehran is a novel, but very firmly rooted in the truth. As a Brit of a certain age, (60 ish), Iran is the name of a place that filled the news reports of the 70s and 80s but has since been overtaken in the media narrative. This book has made me realise that the realities of life there continue to fuel more generations of women to fight against oppression and prejudice and that despite it now being 2026, not all of us are equal. Beautifully written and engaging from the outset, this deeply moving story captures a country in upheaval, torn between old traditions and new ideas. Very much worth a read.

Das Buch liest sich gut und die Geschichte gibt uns Einblick in das Leben von Frauen im Iran. Die Freundschaft zwischen Ellie und Homa ist Hauptbestandteil der Geschichte.

LOVED this book.