Book Review: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

 

Book: The Henna Artist 

Author: Alka Joshi 

Pages: 384 

Read on: Kindle 

Read in: 4 hours 

Plot Summary: 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.

Things I Liked: 

1. The world-building in this book is really nicely done. We spend time in the Jaipur of 1955, in the homes of the wealthy and powerful- royal families and families closely related to the royal family of Jaipur. We get to see their dynamics, priorities and relationships- all through the eyes of a middle-class outsider- Lakshmi, the Henna artist. 

2. Lakshmi's journey and her constant hustle and effort to make a life for herself, build a home and live with her head held high is inspiring. Especially, in 1955 when women who chose to leave abusive marriages had very few options to live and thrive independently. Lakshmi's ability to use herbs to make medicines and poultices was as essential to her success as her ability to apply henna creatively. Lakshmi is also a nicely crafted character. She is smart, resourceful, strong yet vulnerable. She has some secrets in her past, which she is desperate to hide, even from her younger sister. Her struggle to stay afloat even when things go south show her strength and character. 

3. There are several interesting characters in this book- Samir Singh- wealthy, close to the Royal family, but sort of kind to Lakshmi. Then there are Lakshmi's clients- Samir's wife, the Dowager Queen, Mrs. Sharma etc.- these are also interesting characters, each with their own baggage and prejudices; some of them are also quite amusing. 

4. Lakshmi's sister- Radha- is a character I found difficult to connect with, but, I guess she is also realistically drawn out. Her entry into Lakshmi's carefully crafted life in Jaipur creates a bit of an avalanche, but even that is interesting to follow. 

5. This is a heartwarming story about a time when women found it challenging to create a life for themselves without the protection of a man and, if for nothing else, read this book just to see how one such story turned out. 

Rating: 4/5