The Henna Artist
By Alka Joshi
- Release Date: 2020-03-03
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Description
A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER
A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK
"Captivated me from the first chapter to the final page."—Reese Witherspoon
Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.
Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…
Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow—a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does.
“Eloquent and moving…Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love.”—Publishers Weekly
Look for The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and The Perfumist of Paris from New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi!
Reviews
The Henna Artist
4By YayaNetskiOne woman’s amazing life journey. She preserves through much hardship to build a successful life.This is one I loved enough to reread
5By AlyLuna193When I was about halfway through I realized it was a trilogy and I’m so excited to continue. I can’t remember how I found this book, but it will be a favorite for a long time. It’s so well written and the character progression kept me reading, I needed to know what happens next. I can’t wait to start the next in the series.Great read
5By K.Lee.ParkerHer writing was like watching the story come alive across the pages. Fun to read and cannot wait for the third book to come out. It was also interesting to learn about India and the dichotomy of regions.Wonderful!!!
5By decour dujourI loved it from start to finish. Well written, exciting, heartbreaking, a whirlwind of self discovery.Wow
5By KebelloFascinating story, beautifullly written.Wonderful
5By Kerryr3Stick with this one. It develops into something so beautiful. I won’t soon forget it. And will definitely revisit it again.Amazing!
5By natasharamA great story and it just keeps getting better!The Henna Artist
4By JoanabakeA very readable novel. I learned so much about Indian cultureOk read
3By JudystepReading about Indian customs, food,traditions was very interesting. Story was good but predictable.Enchanting
5By cimino33I ignored most of my life for 2 days as I read about the Henna Artist.. I am looking forward to the next book in the series,,