The Henna Artist

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Reflect on the language and diction of the book. Do you think it offers you enough of a glimpse into the attitudes and culture of Indian society? What are some phrases or passages that do this for you?
• What was your initial impression of Hari, Lakshmi’s husband? Did you believe him capable of change when you first encountered him? Did you find his character arc realistic or relatable? Why or why not?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• The novel is set in India in the 1950s, and the historical and sociocultural aspects of this context deeply influence the storytelling. Were you able to connect with the events and characters in the book despite (or, perhaps, because) of this context? Which parts spoke to you the most?
• The conflict between traditional Indian and Western ideas in the book is essentially a conflict between collectivist and individualist cultures. Reflect on the culture that you belong to or most connect with; is it individualist or collectivist in nature? What benefits and drawbacks do you see in this?
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