Book Club’s September reading is Marjan Kamali’s book ‘The Lion Women of Tehran’

Books

Kamali will be participating in a live-streamed discussion with Narrative owner Mila Hossain on September 23 at 6:00 PM ET.

For Boston.com Book ClubOur September pick is “an epic new novel straight from the heart” friendship, betrayal and redemptionNominated writer Marjan Kamali said,

“The Lionesses of Tehran” follows Ellie and Homa, two teenage girls growing up in Tehran, Iran, starting in the 1950s and spanning three decades. The two women weave in and out of each other’s lives against the backdrop of an ever-changing country.

Kamali will join Mila Hossain, the owner of the bookstore Narrative inside Somerville Open For the live broadcast of the debate on September 23 at 18:00.

You can access the following information directly by clicking on the links below:

Book | Writer | Bookstore | Critics say | Join the discussion

To buy “The Lionesses of Tehran” by Author Marjan Kamali from Narrative

What is “Lion Women of Tehran” about?

In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie’s comfortable life is disrupted by the untimely death of her father and she is forced to move with her mother to a small house in the city center. This move leaves Ellie lonely and longing for a friend to end her isolation.

Ellie’s dream comes true when she meets Homa on her first day of school, and the two become fast friends. The two girls play games together, learn to cook in Homa’s warm home, and share their ambitions to become “lion women.”

But when Ellie and her mother are able to return to their old middle-class lives, their happiness and friendship are disrupted. Years later, Ellie is a popular student at Iran’s top all-girls high school, and her memories of Homa begin to fade – until Homa suddenly reappears in Ellie’s life, changing both of their worlds.

Amid growing political turmoil in Iran, two young women come of age and pursue their own goals for a meaningful future.

Who is the author Marjan Kamali?

Marjan Kamali was born in Turkey to Iranian parents and spent her childhood in Kenya, Germany, Turkey, Iran and the United States.

She holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Columbia University, and New York University. In 2022, she received the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Award.

Kamali’s first novel, “Tea Together” was published in 2013 and was a finalist for the Massachusetts Book Award. Her second novel, “Stationery StoreHis book, titled “The Future of Life”, was published in 2019 and became a national and international bestseller.

Kamali lives in the Boston area with her husband and two children.

About the story owner Mila Hossain

For Mila Hossain, Owner of Narrative in Somerville’s Davis Square neighborhoodBooks were a lifelong love for Hossain. When he was 11, Hossain and his family immigrated from Bangladesh to Long Island, New York, and he turned to books as a means of relaxation, escape and exploration.

“It was a really intense experience for me as a kid, moving halfway around the world to a very, very different community. Books provided me with all the ways to find comfort, to find escape, to explore and learn about different perspectives, about the world and about myself,” she told Boston.com in an interview.

After her father passed away in 2019 and she was laid off from her job in the hotel industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she turned to reading books again to find solace, and that’s how her dream of owning a bookstore was born.

“I was really thinking hard about what I wanted my life to be like, what I wanted for myself, and how I wanted to participate in the world. I was so stressed out and constantly had this idea that all I do is run a fun hotel. Why am I so stressed out? I would rather work really hard and stress about something that feels right and meaningful to me,” she said.

Hussein opened NarrativeA bookstore focused on marginalized authors and stories, opening to Somerville residents in May 2024. Bookstore almost sold out During the grand opening, Boston.com reported.

“You have to give credit to the community. They came and bought the books and it was incredible,” he said of the opening.

The bookstore offers new books that showcase mostly marginalized voices and experiences, plus a “small but mighty” used book section and artwork from local artists. Narrative also hosts events, and Hossain said she hopes to expand its engagement with the Somerville community.

What do critics say about the book?

“Elegant…a sensitive and beautifully written examination of two women and their choices over a period of 30 years.” – Oprah Diary

“Compelling… Reminiscent of ‘The Kite Runner’ and ‘My Wonderful Friend,’ ‘The Lion Women of Tehran’ is a charming story with endearing characters that will capture the hearts of readers.” – BookPage

“Kamali tells a moving story of how an unforgiving time, an unlikely friendship, and the transformation of a country changed the lives of two unforgettable women. At once heartbreaking and life-affirming, it’s a book you won’t be able to put down until you’ve read every word.” – Adrienne BrodeurAuthor of the New York Times bestselling book ‘Little Monsters’

“A compelling read and a powerful portrait of friendship, feminism, and political activism.” – People

“A compelling read and a powerful portrait of friendship, feminism, and political activism.” – People

Join the virtual discussion

Join author Marjan Kamali and bookstore moderator Mila Hossain Join the live virtual discussion on “Tehran’s Lion Women” on September 23 at 18:00.