The Lion Women of Tehran

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What were you overall impressions of The Lion Women of Tehran, particularly the characters of Ellie and Homa and their relationship?
• Given the complex dynamics within Ellie and Homa’s relationship, when was their closeness best highlighted, and when was the strain between them most apparent?
• Have you read The Stationary Shop of Tehran, also by Marjan Kamali? How do both novels explore national identity, womanhood, and loss?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Ellie and Homa want different, even opposite things out of life. Did you feel more connected to one character than the other? What did this teach you about yourself?
• In what ways could you relate to and understand the struggles of women in Tehran? What did you find difficult to identify with?
• Loyalty is a key theme in the text. Consider a close friendship; is loyalty a significant part of this friendship? How does your core friendship compare with Ellie and Homa’s relationship?
• How did the novel’s depiction of motherhood and guardianship affect you? 

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.