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43 pages 1 hour read

The Henna Artist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Alka Joshi

The Henna Artist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Jaipur, India • 1950s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi follows Lakshmi, a skilled henna artist and healer in 1955 Jaipur, whose life is disrupted by the arrival of her estranged sister, Radha. As they navigate their interconnected journeys, the novel explores themes of personal choice, cultural clashes, and the struggle for identity amid traditional and modern pressures in post-independence India. Note: The book deals with themes of abuse and unwanted pregnancy.

Emotional

Nostalgic

Inspirational

Romantic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

221,133 ratings

85%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is widely appreciated for its vivid depiction of 1950s India and the intricate art of henna. Reviewers praise the rich, immersive storytelling and the protagonist's resilience. Some critiques mention predictable plot elements and occasional pacing issues. Overall, it's a compelling read enriched with cultural insights.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Henna Artist?

Readers who enjoy immersive, character-driven stories with rich cultural settings will be captivated by Alka Joshi's The Henna Artist. It's ideal for fans of Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns or Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. This novel offers a vivid exploration of Indian traditions and the resilience of women.

4.4

221,133 ratings

85%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Lakshmi Shastri

An accomplished henna artist in Jaipur, Lakshmi has built a successful life after leaving an abusive marriage, drawing clients from the city's affluent families.

Lakshmi’s 13-year-old sister, who comes to live with Lakshmi after their parents' death and faces challenges while seeking a sense of belonging and family.

Lakshmi's ex-husband, initially slovenly and struggling, who later utilizes herbalist skills to help others.

A Western-educated doctor and a friend of Samir’s, who respects Lakshmi's expertise in herbal remedies and represents a bridge between traditional and modern values.

A wealthy member of the Singh family, who aids Lakshmi professionally but maintains a string of mistresses and exhibits patriarchal tendencies.

A key client of Lakshmi’s from the Singh family, originally supportive but later protective of her family's reputation over equitable solutions.

The privileged eldest son of the Singh family, who secretly meets with Radha despite being engaged to someone else, mirroring his father's double standards.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Jaipur, India • 1950s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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