I think everyone should read this. But for my literary fiction lovers on the fence about historical fiction, you won’t be able to put this down. We watch two girls, Elaheh “Ellie” and Homa, forge a childhood friendship across socioeconomic class in 1950s Iran. Their friendship grows and evolves as the political landscape of Iran does starting from the 1953 coup all the way to 2022. I learned so much about Iranian politics and history through the eyes of two young women — one naive and trepidatious, one reckless and passionate. A lot of very real, very heavy things happen over the course of this time, making this an emotional read. The prose is beautiful, and the message even more so. Ellie and Homa remind us to fight bravely and love madly. May we all be lion women.