The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is a captivating story set in 1950s India, following the life of Lakshmi, a talented henna artist who escapes an abusive marriage to build a successful business in Jaipur. The novel delves into the complexities of Indian culture, family dynamics, and societal expectations, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in a closed and oppressive society. Through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, the author paints a rich picture of Lakshmi's journey, her relationships with her sister Radha, young Malik, and other essential characters, all against the backdrop of a post-independence India.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers/content warnings include themes of domestic abuse, references to abortion, societal stigma, and familial betrayal.
Has Romance?
Romance is a medium presence in the narrative, primarily framed within the context of characters' struggles with their relationships and societal expectations.
From The Publisher:
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 from New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi!
Ratings (27)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (16) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (3) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (58):
Read It (27) | |
Want To Read (24) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (6) |
1 comment(s)
I love when a story transports me to a new place. I was immersed in life in India in the 1950s by seeing through the eyes of Lakshmi, a character who was persistent and determined in the face of a society that expected little and didn’t allow much of women. She was an inspiring figure, but it was ultimately her story of finding peace in simple things that resonated and will stick with me for years to come.
There were quite a few surprising turns in this story, and while some parts were slower than others, I enjoyed how unpredictable it was and how the author found a beautiful way to wrap up every character’s story that I never anticipated.
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