The Henna Artist
Books | Fiction / Historical / General
4.3
(4.3K)
Alka Joshi
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!
Romance
Historical Fiction
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More Details:
Author
Alka Joshi
Pages
368
Publisher
Mira
Published Date
2020
ISBN
0778309452 9780778309451
Community ReviewsSee all
"Historical Fiction is not usually a genre I choose to read, however The Henna Artist grabbed my attention and refused to let go from the first chapter!"
A C
Alyssa Czernek
"Loved this book. A tribute to powerful women everywhere. "
M. A. Daniels
"Audio"
V C
Venieta Cox
"Took a bit to get in to, but got good about half way through. Couldn’t put down at the end. "
M
Mary
"If you want to travel the world, this book will take you there. For lovers of historical fiction and for those who root for woman who breaks rules and finds a way to make it on their own, this is a book for you. <br/><br/>I personally am fascinated with India and Hindu traditions, because they are so different from the western world. The caste systems, arranged marriages, beautiful saris, chutney, samosas, henna and the dancing is such an enriched culture that most are drawn too. <br/><br/>The book reminded me of “Where the Crawdads Sing”, because it gives others a view of how a different culture lives. <br/><br/>Plus, it also has a strong protagonist female, Latkshmi, who was arranged a marriage at age 15 to an abusive husband. When she was 17, she did something that would shun her entire family and fled from the abuse. She traveled far and found the ability to make it on her own as a henna artist and healer. <br/><br/>I loved all the details given about the culture it heightened all my senses of India. <br/><br/>I only wish their was a picture book attached to see the amazing saris and the amazing henna work she performed."
Jodie L
"June - S. Asia - India"
Sarah Ford
"Absolutely loved this peek into a culture and history I know very little about. Read it in 3 days!"
Tricia Montgomery
"Really loved this. Not normally a genre that I read; I’m more of a thriller-mystery kind of gal, but this was wonderfully written and I enjoyed every moment of it."
christa
"I found the story to be fun and light in the beginning. By the time it got to part 2, I found it a little repetitive, but the last two parts get exciting quick! It's a fast read, and ends with a positive spin I didn't quite expect."
Kacey Sentner
"This was a perfect example of historical fiction to me! I recently read another historical fiction book set in India, so this was the ideal follow up for me, seeing as I still retained a lot of the information I had researched and was curious about post-independence from the British. I loved reading about henna and the importance of mandalas and art in Indian culture, and I spent a lot of time googling the fantastic food referenced throughout the novel. The characters felt so real, and it brought to life the struggles both of circumstance and of heart, because while this took place in a different place and time, there were so many things I could identify with: fear of disappointment, fear of what others think, and the fear of missing out on what’s really important in life. I loved this story and I hope the author writes more after this fantastic debut!"
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Allie Peduto
