A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK "Captivated me from the first chapter to the final page."—Reese Witherspoon 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. 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. “Eloquent and moving…Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love.”—Publishers Weekly Look for The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and The Perfumist of Paris from New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi!
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About the author
Alka Joshi
Author
Alka Joshi is an Indian–American author and novelist.
The Henna Artist
by Alka Joshi
Books Like The Henna Artist
If you're looking for books similar to The Henna Artist, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
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A collection of short stories about Indian and Indian-American experiences, similar to 'The Henna Artist' in its exploration of cultural identity and personal transformation. Each story delicately reveals the inner lives of characters caught between tradition and modernity. The writing is nuanced and emotionally resonant.
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Set in Kerala, India, this novel explores family dynamics, social hierarchies, and personal freedom. It shares 'The Henna Artist's' rich cultural backdrop and nuanced portrayal of women navigating complex social expectations. The narrative weaves together personal stories with broader societal critiques in a lyrical, compelling style.
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A story about adoption, cultural identity, and motherhood across continents. Similar to 'The Henna Artist', it explores complex family dynamics and women's experiences in Indian society. The narrative follows an adopted daughter's journey of understanding her roots and identity.
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A retelling of the Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective, offering a feminist reimagining of a classic Indian epic. Like 'The Henna Artist', it centers on a woman's journey of self-discovery and resilience in a patriarchal society. The novel provides a powerful narrative of female agency and inner strength.
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A complex narrative exploring marginalized lives in contemporary India, sharing 'The Henna Artist's' rich cultural landscape. The novel weaves together multiple characters' stories, offering a profound examination of social dynamics, identity, and resilience. It provides a multilayered view of Indian society.
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A novel examining the relationship between a wealthy woman and her servant in modern India, exploring class dynamics and personal connections. Like 'The Henna Artist', it provides a nuanced look at social hierarchies and women's experiences. The narrative is deeply empathetic and socially insightful.
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