The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi – 368 pages
ARC from MIRA for a an honest review
Book Blurb:
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.
My Review: 4.5 stars
The Henna Artist blew me away with its storyline, lush descriptions of Jaipur and the strong female protagonist. I adore Indian fiction. I fell in love with it many moons ago when I read Sister of My Heart. Since then, I’ve read a lot in this genre. Check out my website, search by category and click on Indian fiction for more titles.
Lakshimi, a strong and fiercely independent woman has left her family, abusive husband and village behind, as she starts anew in Jaipur. Her skills as a renowned Henna artist have led her to the doors of the most rich and influential women in the city. While there, she becomes a confidante to many and holds their secrets close. She’s a smart woman who easily maneuvers her clients’ points of view and lets droplets of gossip fall into their psyche. This works in her favor, or of course, can completely backfire.
When Lakshimi’s husband arrives with a small girl, who happens to be Lakshimi’s younger sister that she never knew about, the plot really gets rolling. Lakshimi’s life begins to implode around her and she has to figure out to stay independent and on her own two feet. Not only is she responsible for herself, but also for her young helper Malik and her sister Radha. Malik happens to be one of the most trusting and endearing characters. He was quiet yet his continuous support spoke volumes.
This book offers a bit of everything, starting with trust and/or the lack thereof, familial guilt, abuse, love, infidelity, herbal remedies, redemption, independence, pregnancy, adoption, and of course the art of henna. I loved learning about its many applications. Before this book, I thought it was only for the rite of marriage. The scene where Lakshimi creates a design for fertility was incredibly touching.
Overall, this was a perfect escape to another time and place. Expressive writing and a great pace kept me flippling the pages with fury. This will definitely land on my best of 2020 list. I’m thrilled to know that a sequel, twelve years in the future, is in the works. Highly recommend this one!
Quotes I liked:
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind?”
“Independence changed everything. Independence changed nothing.”
“I realized that I seemed so pitiful to him that he, who had so little, was refusing the food I offered.”
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