Reviews tagging 'Fatphobia'

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

3 reviews

nehaanna's review

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is a lovely story to introduce the history of Iran and fall into extremist dictatorship to those who are not aware of it. Told through the eyes of two young women, the history of Iran unfolds around them. The novel covers a lot of time and political events, so sometimes the timing is rushed. As it stands, the last chapter or so is rushed, and feels a touch out of place in compared to the rest of the pacing of the story. However, the book has a relevant and well fleshed out theme that needs to be heard today. Feminism and the rights of women are a global struggle, a global war, against religious extremist groups, dictators, and so called democracies here in America. This book introduces those unfamiliar to this struggle in a new light. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Police brutality, Islamophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders

clairebartholomew549's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is a really striking story about generational change, what it means to fight for justice in your own way, lifelong friendships, and making peace or making waves. I felt deeply for both Homa and Ellie, and I learned so much about Iran. This book also had vivid descriptions of food that had my mouth watering, and it told a beautiful story of how food connects us and has so many memories and significance. The love story between Homa and Eleah really starts and ends with food, and it was a really meaningful throughline. It also made me very hungry, lol!

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Classism

kwolfie's review

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is such a beautiful and heartbreaking story about two completely different women becoming friends, or even sisters, and their journey through life as Iranian women. I know this is a work of fiction, but I genuinely learned a lot from this book and felt so connected to our two main characters. Please read TWs, but if you are able this is a must-read.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol

Moderate: Sexual assault and War

Minor: Fatphobia, Police brutality, Death of parent, and Pregnancy