logo

40 pages 1 hour read

Alka Joshi

The Henna Artist

Alka JoshiFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
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

Roundup icon

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

Roundup icon

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

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Jaipur, India • 1950s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.