The Henna Artist

Written by Alka Joshi

Narrated by Sneha Mathan

A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK

‘This vivid story is so rich and complex...reading about Lakshmi's journey from escaping an abusive marriage to becoming one of the most sought-after henna artists in Jaipur captivated me from the first chapter to the final page.’ Reese Witherspoon

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.

Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jul 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781867240150

Alka Joshi

Alka Joshi was born in India and raised in the U.S. since the age of nine. She has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts and runs an advertising and marketing agency. She has lived in France and Italy and currently lives in Pacific Grove, California, with her husband. The Henna Artist is her first novel.

Reviews for The Henna Artist

[bangerlm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Touching, hopeful story that is well written with good characterizations. :)

[fiverivers_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Joshi creates an interesting story about a young woman's struggle to find a place in the restrictive and classist society of India. The author deals sensitively, and in the end devastingly, with herbal preventative contraception tisanes, the moral and societal landmines which explode in the heroine's life, and the destruction of her livelihood which had been primarily as a henna artist of great talent and repute.Joshi write with authority and believability, and certainly this is a novel worth exploring.

[wiserwisegirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you want to be immersed in the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences to be had in the diverse cultures of Jopphur, I recommend this book. The fleshed out characters remained in my thoughts long after I had finished the book; as if I wanted to catch up with them and wondered how they were doing.. An enjoyable adventure

[micareads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sometimes books picked by a celebrity for their bookclubs can be hit or miss. Reese Witherspoon hit it out of the park this month. The Henna Artist is a wonderful story that takes you on a journey through Lakshmi's life in Jaipur. She deals with a henna business that allows her to buy and design her own home, the arrival of a family member she was not aware existed as well as the well to do women of her area. Lakshmi quickly comes to remember that everything that has been given can be taken away at any moment.

[debbie13410 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

2 sisters, 13 yrs apart in age, eek out a living by applying henna to the rich ladies in town. It is really so much more than that. It is about finding yourself, helping others and being a part of a community.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Set in Jaipur, India, this is the story of Lakshmi. She fled an abusive husband at age 17, becoming a henna artist to wealthy women. She is an astute business woman, building her own house, giving advice to her clients, keeping her own secrets as well as theirs. Estranged from her parents, she is surprised to learn of their deaths when her sister comes to her, a sister she was unaware of. This story is well written, filled with local color and customs, but also overflowing with family drama and some angst. There is much unhappiness, yet joy, too, in Lakshmi’s life, and eventually, she must decide what is important and what she must let go. There are multiple characters who come in and out of this tale as it winds its way towards its conclusion, so be aware that some characters add little to the story. As I was not familiar with Jaipur and its people in the 1950’s, this interesting tale was quite enlightening to me.

[mojomomma_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Set in post-colonial India in the 1950's, Lakshmi supports herself by painting henna on her "ladies" for special occasions, designing mandala, and making herbal medicines--particularly a contraceptive tea that causes women in early pregnancy to miscarry and have some control over their lives. Her world is turned upside when her ex-husband leads an unknown younger sister to her door. Rada is very unsophisticated but is very much impressed with city life. When Rada is impregnanted by a client's son for whom Lakshmi is negotiating a arranged marriage, she must act quickly to save face and her precarious position in Indian society.

[geauxgetlit · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you want to travel the world, this book will take you there. For lovers of historical fiction and for those who root for woman who breaks rules and finds a way to make it on their own, this is a book for you.

I personally am fascinated with India and Hindu traditions, because they are so different from the western world. The caste systems, arranged marriages, beautiful saris, chutney, samosas, henna and the dancing is such an enriched culture that most are drawn too.

The book reminded me of “Where the Crawdads Sing”, because it gives others a view of how a different culture lives.

Plus, it also has a strong protagonist female, Latkshmi, who was arranged a marriage at age 15 to an abusive husband. When she was 17, she did something that would shun her entire family and fled from the abuse. She traveled far and found the ability to make it on her own as a henna artist and healer.

I loved all the details given about the culture it heightened all my senses of India.

I only wish their was a picture book attached to see the amazing saris and the amazing henna work she performed.

[creighley_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

At seventeen Lakshmi leaves her abusive husband and escapes to the city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist -and confidante- to the wealthy women of the upper class.

[streamsong_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Soon after the British partition of India and Pakistan, Lakshmi Shastri abandoned her abusive husband of ten years, left her small village behind and headed to the city of Jaipur. There she found a business partner who, anxious to make use of her knowledge of herbs, gave her several business loans and smoothed her way. Besides being a herbalist she was also a henna artist, a business that led her all the way to the maharajah’s palace. She became affluent enough to realize a dream of having a house of her own constructed.Even though she was estranged from parents due to their shame that she had left her husband, she hoped that it could be repaired.But then life became complicated. A very headstrong thirteen year old sister that she had not known existed, arrived to live with her and announced their parents' deaths.Within a short time the sister became pregnant by a boy of the upper class who had no intention of marrying her. And Lakshmi’s business clients mysteriously disappeared, fueled by untruths about her honesty. Without her clients, the house would be the next to go.I loved this engaging story about India, and one determined woman’s ingenuity in creating a life of her own. I will definitely be reading the two sequels.

[katherinegregg · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lakshmi, having escaped an abusive marriage twelve years prior, is now living as a successful henna artist/herbalist in Jaipur in 1955. Her 13-year-old sister arrives in town, and Lakshmi, not realizing that she had a sister since she had left home by the time she was born, takes her in. Radha is smart and good company, and soon wins the heart of Kanta, an important client of Lakshmi's. Radha becomes pregnant and reluctantly agrees to retreat to a mountain town during the pregnancy along with Kanta who is also carrying a child. In the meantime, rumors about Lakshmi have spread and she struggles to pay her bills. Ultimately Radha delivers a healthy baby boy but instead of giving the child to a wealthy family as planned, gives the baby to Kanta who had suffered a miscarriage. The book ends with Lakshmi and Radha moving back to the mountain town where a doctor has offered Lakshmi a job as an herbal healer.

[auntieg0412 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a splendid novel! I was engrossed in Lakshmi’s story, feeling ever so grateful that I was born in the time and place that I was. Ms. Joshi’s writing is lovely and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.

[carmenere_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I simply loved this book. I never needed to look at the Character's Page because they were so well defined, I never was confused as to who was who.The locations in India, their traditions and caste system were both clear and troublesome.The circumstances of the characters made me emotional ranging from incredulous to sorrow and even a little angry.It certainly had all the characteristics of a novel I won't soon forget.

[lynnb_64 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found most of the plot to be predictable, but that didn't matter much because the characters were so well developed and the writing really enabled me to become immersed in the culture and time of India.Lakshmi was a very well developed character, and we learned more about different aspects of her psyche as the story developed. All the major characters, in fact, evolved over time. The writing vividly put me right in 1950s India: the food, the poverty, the entitled rich and the persistence of the caste system. So, what's a little predictability?

[sallyelizabethmurphy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book deserves at least 4.7 stars. Engaging, rich, delightful

[lisa2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this for my real world book club. It’s our September 2021 book. I’m not sure I’d have suggested it for the group or read it at this point had I known it was a first book in what is to be a trilogy and that as of now the second book is already published. I thought that it was a standalone book. It is a great discussion book though. (If you are interested in this book/trilogy, I suggest not reading the book description field for book two before finishing reading this first book.)This is one book that is good to read as a paper book. In the front is a long list of characters. In the back is a very long list of terms and other info. It’s good to be able to easily get to those sections. There is a PDF available with all the information for those who choose to read the audiobook. I had to put my reading on hold and wait for the hardcover edition. The e-book was too hard to read. I wanted to look as I read and the paper book (hardcover for me) was the only way I could enjoy this book at the beginning. For most of the foreign words the translation was obvious and a few I knew, but I wanted to know exactly what each word meant as I read. I ended up referring to the extras less and less frequently but I did read all of the material.It took me a while for this to become a page-turner but it did. The last/fourth section was utterly predictable but that didn’t diminish my reading enjoyment.It was kind of a soap opera but I didn’t mind. I cared about so many of the characters and was concerned about what would happen with them. Lovely Acknowledgments section. Fascinating history of henna section and a recipe for henna. Informative section on the caste system in India. Two food recipes that are vegetarian and could be veganized. They didn’t appeal to me much though even though I love most vegan Indian food. This is a great book for those needing or wanting to start over or starting a new endeavor. Recommended also for readers who enjoy historical fiction and for readers interested in Indian culture/history. 4-1/2 stars

[amzzz_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book! Twists and turns, character growth and lots of things I didn’t know. It follows the story of a henna artist in India in the 1950s

[heatherlinc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"The Henna Artist" started well and gave an interesting insight into the life of one independent Indian woman. I enjoyed learning about her life as a henna artist and how the affluent women of the area lived their lives. However, the plot was laborious and I felt that the author only skimmed the surface. I wanted more detail about the history of henna the the culture and customs of this exotic country.Lakshmi was an interesting character and for the most part I liked her but her younger sister, Radha, annoyed me from the start. She was extremely selfish and immature. I know that readers on GoodReads is giving this novel rave reviews but I found it mediocre at best.

[mcelhra · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lakshmi left an abusive marriage years ago and has spent her time away becoming the most sought-after henna artist in Jaipur. It’s the 1950s so divorce for an Indian woman is unheard of – Lakshmi must present herself as a widow. This is all well and good until her husband shows up out of the blue with a 13-year-old girl who he says is her younger sister. Keeping him a secret has deep repercussions on her reputation and way of life.The Henna Artist shows how pervasive the caste system was in India in the 1950s and how little control women of any caste had over their own lives. Even Lakshmi, a supposed widow, isn’t fully independent. Lakshmi has to tread very carefully in her interactions with the wealthy women she hennas – it must be mentally exhausting. Every conversation is filled with innuendo and hidden meaning. Words must be carefully chosen. This becomes even more apparent when Lakshmi takes in her sister, who has been raised in abject poverty and has no social graces whatsoever.The Henna Artist was right up my alley – we know by now that I love books about the social mores of India. My favorite character was Maharani Indira Man Singh. She and her parrot provided just the right amount of comic relief in what was otherwise a pretty heavy book. I enjoyed reading it but it was not a feel-good book by any means. From what I understand, The Henna Artist is the first book in a planned trilogy. The second book, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, came out in June. Its focus is Malik, Lakshmi’s young assistant. I plan to read it soon before I forget the details of The Henna Artist. I’ll keep you posted!

[pdebolt_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Henna Artist provides an interesting look into the rites and rituals of India in the 1950s through the eyes of an accomplished henna artist, Lakshima. She grew up in impoverished circumstances and was married at an early age to Hari, a man chosen by her parents. She learned her craft in her village and the healing power of herbs to heal from her mother-in-law. Her sister is born after Lakishna disgraces her family by leaving her husband and the village to find a better life in Jaipur. Lakshima struggles to create a life among the privileged classes, a favor which can be withdrawn at any time by the whims of those she serves. When her sister is brought to her by her former husband, her life becomes more complicated and eventually resolves into a family life with the best use of her talents.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Luckily, I won a copy of The Henna Artist, and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Alka Joshi presented a detailed and important list of the characters as the names provided much stress to this reader. The back of the book supplied a glossary of terms which was extremely helpful as the book was written for and about India and left this reader very confused. Alka Joshi enlightens the reader with the customs of India in the 1950’s. The life of a female hangs by a fragile thread. The vivid characters dance through the pages and the setting shows the splendor and the squalor of India.

[thewanderingjew_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Henna Artist: A Novel, Alka Joshi, author; Sneha Mathan, narratorAt the age of 15, Lakshmi’s parents arranged for her marriage to Hari Shastri a rickshaw driver. After two years of physical abuse because she failed to conceive a child, at the age of 17, she ran away to seek a new life. Her behavior brought shame and humiliation to her family. Superstition and the rumor mill flourished. Gossipmongers went to work. Her family’s already sad lives were turned even further upside down. Lakshmi’s sister Radha was born the year Lakshmi escaped from her husband’s home. She bore the brunt of the wicked tongues. The villagers called her the “bad luck girl”. She was humiliated and taunted by children and adults, both in school and outside. Whenever anything went wrong, the blame was cast upon her. She was told that it was her presence in the village that brought about the misfortune. Lakshmi had not known of her sister’s birth until the day her husband suddenly showed up on her doorstep with her, in Jaipur. They were both filthy from their travels, and Lakshmi did not want the neighbors to see them since it would bring gossip down upon her own head. Hari had a terrible scar which made people fear him. Lakshmi had not revealed her own sad marriage situation, preferring to say little, and so she simply hinted that her husband traveled. She had told no one that she had run away and behaved badly for someone from her background for it would have shamed her and caused her to be ostracized. Radha was only 12 years old when she arrived, and she needed a home. Hari was, as usual, in need of money. Lakshmi had spent almost two decades establishing herself as an independent woman. She did not want to jeopardize her achievements. She had learned how to speak and behave properly so that she could enter into the world of, and serve the needs of, those in the upper classes. By the time her sister entered her life she had earned a reputation as a healer, and she had become a superb, popular henna artist. She was building her own home and sending money home to her parents, not knowing that they had both died or that the husband she had abandoned had been taking her money. She was in a good position and was welcomed into the homes of the elites and the palaces of the royals to do their henna painting or to bring them herbal cures for what ailed them. Still, she was not their equal and always had to mind her manners as the invitations and lifestyle she had achieved were at the pleasure of these people. Any slight could bring about a reversal of her fortunes. When her sister arrived, she began to take her with her and to train her in proper decorum. She hoped to give her an education that would provide her with a better future than the one she had been able to achieve. This was the beginning of great changes in her life.The place was India and the time was the mid 20th century. The class system was brutal for those at the bottom, but for women it was even worse. Her few rights were not granted to her by virtue of her own accomplishment, but by the good graces of a male or a husband. Essentially, at that time, she was property. Often, women were taken advantage of and were poorly educated. Lakshmi had accomplished much by advancing herself the way she had, gaining some financial independence, but still, she was subservient to those who lived in the homes she wanted to continue to enter. When Radha entered Lakshmi’s life, would she be the “bad luck girl”? Was Lakshmi guilty of neglecting her to serve her own selfish needs? Over the next year or so, Lakshmi would find out just what was important to her and just what was not.Lakshmi had made several unwise choices, as did many of the other characters. Their mistakes were not easily erased in the current climate of affairs in India, and the culture made it hard to forgive a perceived sinner. A poor reputation, even when it was the result of lies and betrayals, was hard to undo and marked the victim forever. Was Lakshmi’s difficult life due to her own poor choices or to the circumstances of the times and the unjust customs of the culture? Were her choices the correct ones, in the end? Would Radha overcome all the difficulties she would face? Would pride and stubbornness be their undoing? Would Lakshmi’s values and Radha’s selfishness finally find a common ground? Is sacrifice for the good of others a worthy endeavor? Are ignorance and superstition an excuse for cruelty? Should loose tongues be rewarded or ignored? When a situation appears hopeless, should one act helpless or find courage to soldier on in a different direction? Some of the characters were pompous and cruel, some were kind and understanding. What kind of characters would Lakshmi, Hari, and Radha turn out to be ? Was the character of Samir and/or Parvati genuine or false, typical or unusual? Who was your favorite character?These were some questions that the book raised for me. Each of the characters is interesting, and each brings an interesting point of view to light. The times and the culture are very well defined by each of their roles, lending authenticity to the story.

[shazjhb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book set in India. Great story

[gypsysmom_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of the members of the book club started on-line in response to the pandemic chose this book to read for our group. I don't think I would have read it otherwise which is one of the things I love about belonging to a book club. Shortly after India's independence Lakshmi earns her living in the city of Jaipur, India by painting henna designs on well-to-do Indian ladies and girls. She has done quite well with her business which she supplements by providing herbal remedies for everything from skin rashes to contraception. As proof of her increasing wealth she is building a house. Then a much younger sister that she did not know existed appears in Jaipur accompanied by the violent husband Lakshmi left 13 years before. Rhadha is intelligent and knowledgeable for a 13 year old but she is innocent and naive. Lakshmi has to pay off her husband to get him to leave but she takes in Radha and hopes to send her to school when the new term begins. Her career continues to ascend as she is called to the local maharajah's palace to attend on the maharani who has fallen into a deep depression due to her son being sent to England to go to school. Lakshmi uses her herbal knowledge and her healing abilities to bring the maharani back to partaking in her usual activities. As a result Lakshmi's fame spreads and she is soon busier than ever. The maharani sponsors Radha to attend the private school she oversees; due to Lakshmi's upsurge in business Radha is often left to her own devices after school. She falls in love with the son of one of Lakshmi's first clients and the inevitable occurs. Lakshmi deduces that Radha is pregnant and she wants to use her herbal remedies to cause an abortion but Radha refuses. Lakshmi is concerned that Radha's future will be ruined but also her own business if word gets out that Radha has an illegitimate chile. She has a solution but will Radha go along with it? I have always been fascinated by books set in India and this one did not disappoint. It also made me incredibly hungry for Indian food. That's not a bad thing because I just cooked up some curries. If I didn't have a husband who has celiac disease I probably would have made the Batti Balls for which the author gave a recipe. On the other hand I wasn't really tempted by the recipe for the Royal Rabri because of the time involved to make it. But if someone wanted to make it for me I would love to taste it.

[deslivres5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Historical fiction set in the 1950s India with the 30 year old henna artist of the title at its center. Lakshmi has spent years building up her business catering to the wealthy in her city. An unforeseen newcomer into her carefully planned life upends the status quo.

[glennbell_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Alka Joshi has written a believable and interesting story about a woman who faces many problems in her life. Lakshmi shows fortitude and strength of character to deal with many disappointments. The author provides insight into life in India in the 1950s after India gains independence. Conflicts of class, wealth, and occupation are depicted as they are in life. Lust, love, hate, cruelty, and kindness are spread throughout the story, which is also the way of life. I enjoyed the story albeit some solutions to problems seemed obvious to the reader before the characters in the story saw the solutions. I think this is an entertaining book and recommend it freely.

[jacsun · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I listened to "The Henna Artist" on Audible and enjoyed it. The narrator, Shena Mathan, was incredibly good making this story interesting.

Many of us live in "little boxes on the hillside" and we don't have a clue what happens with people in other parts of the country and world. The story takes place in India in the 1950s with Lakshmi who escapes her abusive husband and searches to find a way to support herself. She becomes a reputable henna artist and has a wealthy clientele that provides a good income - good enough for her to own a home. Yet, her husband manages to find her and brings her a gift: her 13 year old sister, Radha, who creates a lot of drama in her life. Lakshmi had an incredible amount of patience for her sister that she just had learned about.

The book may not be 100 percent accurate for those that have lived in India but for me, it was a captivating glimpse of one woman that tried to break away from her situation which was unusual for these times. Not all books are great with the narrators. This one was worth the listen.

[bookczuk · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Recommended by a friend who loves all things India. She didn't know that years ago, I stayed at the hotel that once was the Maharini's palace in Jaipur, which features in this story. It brought back a flood of memories of a trip I took with my mother to India, and how my brother met us and spread the land he so loved like a carpet beneath her feet. Pandemic read.

[midkid88 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Hard to get through.

[cariola_6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lakshmi, the daughter of an alcoholic village schoolmaster, once had dreams of continuing her education, possibly even going to college to continue her study of art and literature, but life, hardship, and the customs of India set her on another path. At only fourteen, she was forced to accept an arranged marriage to a man she didn't love, a man who turned out to be abusive. The only grace was her mother-in-law, a healer who shared her knowledge of herbs and folk medicine with Lakshmi. After a few years, Lakshmi escapes, settling first in Agra, where she paints henna designs on the bodies of prostitutes, and then in Jaipur, where she sets up a more legitimate business among the well-to-do ladies, using her talents for original henna designs and mandalas. During her appointments, she also dispenses advice and sweet or savory treats infused with herbs to remedy whatever problems her clients might have from barrenness to arthritis. After several women credit her ministrations with long-wished for pregnancies, Lakshmi's is flourishing. Proud of her accomplishments, she decides to turn her talents matchmaking and to invest in building a home of her own. She hopes that once it is completed, she can invite her estranged parents to come and live with her. Although she has been regularly sending them letters and money, Lakshmi hasn't heard from them since she left.Then, unexpectedly, the husband she feared would come after her arrives with a 13-year old girl in tow: Rashida, a sister she never knew existed. Their parents have both died, and although Rashida was never told about her older sister, she found one of Lakshmi's letters and knew where to find her. The young girl is at first thrilled to have found an older sister who appears to be doing so well, but Lakshmi is concerned that Rashida's village ways and outspokenness will create havoc in her polite, carefully crafted world. She tries to keep the girl busy with cooking, mixing henna, and other tasks but eventually begins taking her along to some of her appointments. One of the younger women who was schooled in England befriends Rashida, taking her on outings and inviting her to spend time at her home. Although she has some concerns, ultimately, Lakshmi is happy to have her sister--who has become surly and accuses her of using her as a house slave--out of her hair. Inevitably, tragedy strikes, and Lakshmi finds her world falling apart.[The Henna Artist] develops a number of important themes: the persistence of the caste system and social customs in 1955 India, the importance of family, the resilience and creativity of women, the corrosive nature of deeply kept secrets, and more. Of course, the push-pull of the sibling relationship is at the heart of the novel as well. Lakshmi's new life has been built on her hard work and resourcefulness, but also on a complex bed of lies that continues to fester. When things start to unravel, how will she manage to rebuild her life and, just as importantly, her relationship with Rashida?