The Henna Artist by By Alka Joshi

The Henna Artist Reviews

• 
  Kindle Customer

  So disappointed there was no warning that she is not only a henna artist but an abortion provider.
• 
  Leslie N. Patino

  "The Henna Artist" captivated me from the opening pages. The prose is as rich and beautiful as Lakshmi’s henna designs, and the plot is full of unanticipated surprises.
  
  A few years ago, I spent several weeks in northern India, including Jaipur. While the story takes place in 1955, many things remain much the same (riding in trains and rickshaws, street markets and foods, ever present images of Ganesh, arranged marriages, limited prospects for rural and lower caste Indians). Joshi’s very authentic and detailed descriptions of characters, places and events brought back so many memories.
  
  Central to her story are a number of issues that have impacted human beings the world over for centuries (abortion, socio economic inequalities, women’s rights or lack thereof). She constantly doles out new information and backstory, resulting in a cast of multi layered characters and a riveting tale.
  
  My favorite book in the last year of reading!
• 
  C. Cassidy

  It’s hard to know where to start: the story itself is rich and intriguing and filled with memorable characters, but possibly what struck me the most was the detailed description of everyday life, dress, ritual, homes, etc. on virtually every page. The intricacies of the details made me feel as if I were present: hearing, seeing, smelling and touching the heart of India.
• 
  honeychile

  In this skillfully wrought tale, Author Joshi is as much the artist as her protagonist, Lakshmi. I was intrigued with the complex plot which revealed so much about Indian culture and life in the 1950’s. Parts of the story were heart breaking, some nearly crushing, but the strength and resilience of Lakshmi and others were like lights in the gloom of such dark times. I personally do not countenance abortion, and was dismayed to find this practice as a pivotal part of the story. The author provided a heart rending explanation of what was going on at the time in this culture, which while it does not warrant ending life, it does explain what was in the minds and hearts of those who chose it. I also felt that she showed the horror of the practice in the eyes of other characters. While it was unclear whether Lakshmi left the practice completely behind, it was clear that she changed and grew over time, abandoning her part in abortion as birth control for wealthy philanderers. Themes throughout the book include love for family, the hatefulness of gossip, injury and forgiveness, finding destiny, and the ability of a person to change. Lakshmi was not the only character to ultimately embrace change and take another path. I felt that some parts of the book’s resolution were incredible, but still liked thinking they might happen. Four stars from this reviewer.
• 
  MadReader

  I really enjoyed this debut novel. Joshi captures the small details very well, and makes the characters engaging. I particularly liked her descriptions of the colors and images of the saris, the henna, the surroundings. The story played out well, with enough intrigue to keep me reading and a plot that made me want to know how it ended. It was a perfect read for "shelter in place," taking me somewhere else in my imagination.
• 
  Kindle Customer

  If you want to escape and be transported into a different time and world, feeling every emotion from joy to heartbreak to hope, this book is for you. Thoughtful, insightful, and beautiful, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!
• 
  Marge Heger

  Joshi tells a good tale. The artist of the title has an indomitable spirit that keeps the reader entranced. I loved the way this writer offers a glimpse into another world. Skillfully done. It is definitely chic lit with an exotic twist.
• 
  Michelle

  Beautifully written book. Well crafted characters with a plot line that never disappointed. A wonderful insight into the 1950’s culture landscape in India. Could not put it down! Look forward to offerings from Alka Joshi.
  
  Michelle T.
• 
  Faery Jess

  This stunning novel is one of my top three favourite books I’ve read so far this year. (And considering I’ve read nearly 60 so far since January, that’s saying something.) Top two, actually. Tied for first place, the I think about it. (My other fave so far is Where the Crawdads Sing, in case you’re wondering.)
  
  My knowledge of India and Indian culture is somewhat limited; I live in Glastonbury, a very new age hippie place (which I love), so I’m constantly hearing people talk about their life changing trips to ‘Mother India’ where they inevitably change their names to something like ‘Jaya’ or ‘Deva’ or something like that. (And yup, it always seems to be white women who do this, and as a white woman I’m aware of the privilege that allows us to go on a jolly to India and come back with a name given by a ‘guru.’) With this in mind, it was refreshing to read a story set in India, written by an Indian woman, with an insight into what life there is actually like, without any of the white nonsense about spiritual enlightenment. Forgive me, I’m rambling.
  
  Back to the book itself. The book walks the line between character driven and plot driven story perfectly: the characters are richly developed; there aren’t any clear cut ‘villains.’ Everyone’s motives are understood and you find yourself sympathising with and understanding why they behave they way they do. The plot unfolds gently, with enough happening along the way to keep those who favour a plot driven story interested. This is literary fiction at its most approachable intelligent yet accessible, educational yet entertaining.
  
  The descriptions are lush and evocative you can almost smell the spices of the food, hear the sounds of the streets, and feel the coolness of henna being drawn onto your skin. You fall in love with the characters, especially the heroine, Lakshmi. And I defy you not to fall in love with little Malik. I’d read a sequel about him alone. (Hint hint, Ms Joshi, if you’re reading this.)
  
  I won’t say much about the plot itself, cuz if you haven’t noticed by now, I tend to overshare and don’t want to ruin the story for anyone who hasn’t read it yet. All I will say is be prepared to go on a journey, to learn, to laugh, and to find out that things have a way of working out for the best in ways you didn’t expect.
  
  The author has thoughtfully included a glossary of Indian language in the back of the book, as well as a brief explanation of the caste system and recipes, which I fully intend to try out ASAP. I loved this book so much that I’m going to order the actually physical copy of it as soon as it’s available again. (I generally prefer an actual book over a kindle version, but it wasn’t going to be in stock for a while, and I was too impatient to read it so ordered it on kindle.)
  
  Five stars aren’t enough. Ten stars, at least.
• 
  Angela Gibson

  After settling down to read The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi I knew I wasn't going to be doing anything else that evening and it was going to be the wee small hours before I would be seeing my bed.
  The author took me by the hand and transported me to India a country I have visited several times and find fascinating turning through the pages I was in Jaipur, in the 1950's a country still ruled by strict social etiquette and a class system.
  I was a little apprehensive when I turned the first few pages and there was a biography of characters. Usually this means so many characters and little development of them and confusion, but I didn't need it and I need not have worried.
  The main character is Lakshmi who fled an abusive marriage years before and ended up in Jaipur. Over the years she has developed a skill of being a henna artist and has a long list wealthy clients. She is a proud woman who has worked hard, and has saved enough to purchase a home of her own.
  As Lakshmi continues to work to pay off her debts for the house he ex abusive husband arrives bringing with him a surprise sister. A sister she didn't know existed, thirteen year old Radha a vulnerable teenager.
  As with all families their relationship is tested to the max and Lakshmi is torn with guilt.
  Lakshmi is also a healer with herbal remedies and she uses the herbal remedies at times to help women who don't want to be mothers, or who are struggling to become mothers. Cultural challenges develop between city life and village life.
  This is a book that will take you through each of the characters lives and the understanding of how people can change and make changes. The descriptions are so clear you really can smell the herbs, hear the peoples hearts breaking.
  Some great secondary characters in the story, I was fascinated by the caste system and the way the women are treated as well as learning about the henna painting and how it plays an important part of these women lives.
  Such a colourful story, with culture and characters galore. Unexpected, expected I was hooked to the many swirls to the story. Shattered, happy, perplexed, surprised it has it all. The ending put a great smile on my face. I am hoping that their will be a second book so we can continue with Lakshmi's new adventures.
• 
  Kindle Customer

  This book has a great story and dips into many different levels of life in India even royalty. I was fascinated by the beautiful descriptions of the clothes especially the saris, the food some of which was exquisite. the homes, the parties and the life styles. I was also very interested in the use of herbs and plants and different beliefs.
  The little boy character Malik brought humour and affection into the story. I loved it.
• 
  Wendy Reed

  I really enjoyed this book about an Indian girl forced into marriage at the age of 15 and how she eventually makes her own way. It’s well written and well researched and certainly paints a picture of the life that might be led by a henna artist in the 1950’s. It didn’t disintegrate into the usual love story!
• 
  Hilary Prosser

  Excellent read. Totally gripped from first page, Alka Joshi has a real talent for making you feel you are living the story. The characters come to life as the story develops and it is clear the author has a personal connection with the story and has researched everything in detail. The book includes a very helpful glossary, history of the Indian Caste system, history of Henna and even some recipes. Part 2 and 3 of this Trilogy can not come quick enough.