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49 pages 1 hour read

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Alka Joshi

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Jaipur, India • 1960s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi, set in 1969 and featuring the characters Lakshmi, Malik, and Nimmi, narrates their lives post-The Henna Artist. Malik, now educated, returns to Jaipur for construction work and faces a disaster at the Royal Jewel Theater, prompting an investigation into corruption and personal growth. The novel underscores themes of life choices, disgrace, and secrets.

Mysterious

Emotional

Nostalgic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

68,069 ratings

82%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Alka Joshi's The Secret Keeper of Jaipur has been praised for its vivid storytelling and intricate depiction of Indian culture. Reviewers appreciate the rich character development and engaging plot. However, some find the pacing uneven and the numerous subplots occasionally overwhelming. Overall, it is a compelling sequel that captivates with its immersive setting and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Secret Keeper of Jaipur?

The ideal reader for Alka Joshi's The Secret Keeper of Jaipur enjoys vivid, culturally-rich narratives set in India, similar to those found in Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale or Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. They appreciate intricate plots, strong character development, and historical contexts interwoven with personal growth and complex relationships.

4.3

68,069 ratings

82%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Lakshmi Shastri Kumar

A former henna artist who established a holistic remedies business in Shimla, developing deep knowledge about her elite clientele and later marrying Doctor Jay Kumar.

An orphan taken in by Lakshmi, who becomes an assistant in the henna trade and later becomes involved in the construction trade in Jaipur.

A young widow from a nomadic background with valuable plant knowledge, forming a romantic attachment with Malik while working in the herb garden.

A doctor who initially doubts folk medicine, but later marries Lakshmi and supports her endeavors with herbal remedies.

A successful contractor and womanizer who pays for Malik's education, hoping to amend past wrongs related to Lakshmi.

Samir's son, who replicates his father's behavior and becomes embroiled in a scandal due to his self-serving actions.

Ravi's materialistic wife who attempts to retaliate against her husband's infidelity by flirting with Malik.

The influential matriarch of the Singh family who protects her family's reputation, even at Lakshmi's expense.

The manager of palace construction projects who fears taking the blame for a structural collapse, but eventually sees the truth uncovered.

Lakshmi's former client who adopts Radha's child after dealing with her own miscarriages.

The adopted son of Kanta and Manu, who is unaware of his biological heritage and excels in cricket.

The accountant for Samir’s company, coerced into silent compliance regarding financial discrepancies.

A jeweled business owner and friend of Malik’s, providing key insights into a gold smuggling scheme.

The widow of the Maharaja who became a patron of Lakshmi, seeking to salvage her tarnished reputation after a theater collapse.

An influential senior member of the royal family who shows a fondness for Malik and aids in resolving the palace scandal.

Lakshmi’s younger sister, who now resides in Paris with her family, distancing herself from her past.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Jaipur, India • 1960s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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