Publication
Farmington Hills, Mich. : Large Print Press, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning, 2021.
Collection
Call number
Large Print Fiction J
Physical description
533 p.; 22 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
"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."--Publisher description.… (more)
Series
User reviews
LibraryThing member BettyTaylor56
Beautifully written, I found myself immersed into the life of henna artist Lakshimi Shastri. I felt her struggle and determination to escape the life she was born into. Married to a husband who beat her she had the courage to leave everything behind and seek out a new life in a new city. Life was
Joshi’s writing drew me in and allowed me to be a part of Lakshimi’s life. I loved the descriptions of the works of art she drew upon women’s bodies. I felt the oppressive heat, smelled the flowers and scents of cooking food. I felt fear and happiness, anger and longing, desperation and defeat. Such a roller coaster of emotions. The characters were so real to me, eliciting the same emotions I would have had had I truly known these people.
Secrets, lies, manipulation, redemption. This is a look at what it took for Lakshimi to survive. Joshi does not shield us from the hard world Lakshimi faced. She gives us Lakshimi with all her flaws. Her doubts, her betrayals. Finding and making her own family. This was a journey I was honored to be on with her.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for the advance copy to read and review.
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going well until the younger sister she didn’t know existed enters her life, bringing secrets from the past that Lakshimi had buried.Joshi’s writing drew me in and allowed me to be a part of Lakshimi’s life. I loved the descriptions of the works of art she drew upon women’s bodies. I felt the oppressive heat, smelled the flowers and scents of cooking food. I felt fear and happiness, anger and longing, desperation and defeat. Such a roller coaster of emotions. The characters were so real to me, eliciting the same emotions I would have had had I truly known these people.
Secrets, lies, manipulation, redemption. This is a look at what it took for Lakshimi to survive. Joshi does not shield us from the hard world Lakshimi faced. She gives us Lakshimi with all her flaws. Her doubts, her betrayals. Finding and making her own family. This was a journey I was honored to be on with her.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for the advance copy to read and review.
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LibraryThing member bookchickdi
Lakshmi fled an abusive arranged marriage, leaving behind her husband and parents to go to the city of Jaipur, following the recent independence of India from the British Empire. She is a henna artist to many of Jaipur's wealthy women, where she has cultivated a large clientele who turn to her to
She also sells sachets of herbs that help people with illnesses of all sorts. Lakshmi learned how to grow herbs that heal from her former mother-in-law, whom she loved and respected. When Samir, a wealthy and influential man, asks her to sell him herbs that prevent his mistresses from getting pregnant, Lakshmi agrees.
Lakshmi is building a home of her own, a place where she can bring her parents to live with her. One day her abusive husband shows up with a thirteen year-old girl, a sister she never knew she had. Radha is angry that Lakshmi abandoned her and her parents, and resents Lakshmi.
Life was moving upward for Lakshmi, but the arrival of Radha seems to bring a turn of luck for her. Her precarious finances take a big hit when vicious and untrue gossip about her cause her clients to drop her.
Lakshmi's striving for independence mirrors the country of India's independence from Great Britain. Lakshmi, like India, is stuck between long-standing traditions of a strict society and a desire to be modern and independent.
I was totally enmeshed in the sights and sounds of 1955 India. Joshi descriptions are rich and she uses the language of the time, with a helpful index in the back of the book that gives you the definitions of the words she uses. Food plays a big part, and she also gives the reader two recipes- one for Batti Balls and one for Royal Rabri. You can almost smell the food wafting off the page.
Her characters capture your heart- Malik, the young boy who acts as Lakshmi's assistant, sister Radha, and even her abusive ex-husband who shows more than one color to his character.
But it is Lakshmi's story. You will root for her to succeed, and ache for her when her struggles seem insurmountable. Lakshmi is a truly unforgettable character. I give The Henna Artist my highest recommendation.
Thanks to Harlequin for putting me on their 2020 Spring Reads Blog Tour.
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decorate them for every celebration. But Lakshmi dreams of being a matchmaker for wealthy families, and when an opportunity arises, she is ready to take advantage of it.She also sells sachets of herbs that help people with illnesses of all sorts. Lakshmi learned how to grow herbs that heal from her former mother-in-law, whom she loved and respected. When Samir, a wealthy and influential man, asks her to sell him herbs that prevent his mistresses from getting pregnant, Lakshmi agrees.
Lakshmi is building a home of her own, a place where she can bring her parents to live with her. One day her abusive husband shows up with a thirteen year-old girl, a sister she never knew she had. Radha is angry that Lakshmi abandoned her and her parents, and resents Lakshmi.
Life was moving upward for Lakshmi, but the arrival of Radha seems to bring a turn of luck for her. Her precarious finances take a big hit when vicious and untrue gossip about her cause her clients to drop her.
Lakshmi's striving for independence mirrors the country of India's independence from Great Britain. Lakshmi, like India, is stuck between long-standing traditions of a strict society and a desire to be modern and independent.
I was totally enmeshed in the sights and sounds of 1955 India. Joshi descriptions are rich and she uses the language of the time, with a helpful index in the back of the book that gives you the definitions of the words she uses. Food plays a big part, and she also gives the reader two recipes- one for Batti Balls and one for Royal Rabri. You can almost smell the food wafting off the page.
Her characters capture your heart- Malik, the young boy who acts as Lakshmi's assistant, sister Radha, and even her abusive ex-husband who shows more than one color to his character.
But it is Lakshmi's story. You will root for her to succeed, and ache for her when her struggles seem insurmountable. Lakshmi is a truly unforgettable character. I give The Henna Artist my highest recommendation.
Thanks to Harlequin for putting me on their 2020 Spring Reads Blog Tour.
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LibraryThing member beckyhaase
THE HENNA ARTIST by Alka Joshi
India in the 1950’s was not a welcoming place for an unwilling bride who is also poor and desperate. Lakshmi, the unwilling bride, takes matter into her own hands and runs away – successfully. She is taken in by a group of prostitutes in a brothel and taught the
Lakshmi is set to achieve all of her dreams when a sister she did not know she had shows up on her doorstep seeking protection. The two women clash over talent and fulfillment as Lakshmi’s world is endangered by innocence and guile. A young beggar boy Lakshmi had taken on as partner may help one of the two sisters.
India, in all its beauty and cruelty, is ever present in this tale of women in a closed and oppressive society. THE HENNA ARTIST is well written with interesting and multi-dimensional characters and a compelling plot.
5 of 5 stars
India in the 1950’s was not a welcoming place for an unwilling bride who is also poor and desperate. Lakshmi, the unwilling bride, takes matter into her own hands and runs away – successfully. She is taken in by a group of prostitutes in a brothel and taught the
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art of Henna. Lakshmi has great skill and is soon able to launch out on her own with help from a businessman who acts as her banker.Lakshmi is set to achieve all of her dreams when a sister she did not know she had shows up on her doorstep seeking protection. The two women clash over talent and fulfillment as Lakshmi’s world is endangered by innocence and guile. A young beggar boy Lakshmi had taken on as partner may help one of the two sisters.
India, in all its beauty and cruelty, is ever present in this tale of women in a closed and oppressive society. THE HENNA ARTIST is well written with interesting and multi-dimensional characters and a compelling plot.
5 of 5 stars
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LibraryThing member Romonko
In this first novel of Alka Joshi's, she manages to paint a startlingly real picture of 1950's India. In her novel, she shows India on the brink of change, shortly after they recently became a republic. The old ways are slowly giving way to the new ways, but cultural changes, as is usually the
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case, are slower to evolve than politics. This book shows one woman's struggle to pull herself up out of an abusive marriage at the age of 20, and depicts her rise to be one of the most respected henna artists in Jaipur. Not only is Lakshmi a gifted artist, but she has a very extensive knowledge of herbal remedies. After 13 years she has become a respected member of society and is in the process of having her own home built. But then her 13 year old sister comes into her life, and Lakshmi's life changes completely. She finally has a family, but with this particular family member, it becomes a struggle to try to integrate her into traditional Indian society. Some missteps along the way drastically changes Lakshmi's prospects and her position in society. As she finds out, to her disappointment, there is still no place for the "modern" woman in Indian society. in her journey to find and re-invent herself yet again. Lakshmi finds that she sometimes needs help from others in order to take that next step. And there is always a price to be paid for favours received. I found myself deep into Lakshmi's life while I read this story, and Ms. Joshi's characterizations and story plot held my interest throughout. I felt like I understood a little bit more about Indian society and its progression into the self-reliant nation that it is today. Show Less
LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Rich Indian novel!
I found the background to this novel set in 1950's Jaipur fascinating. I knew nothing about henna work, well a few vague suppositions, but I was totally engaged by the art Lakshmi practised. I became immersed in her culture. I marvelled at how Lakshmi included henna motifs from
Lakshmi had fled an abusive husband. The shame brought upon her family meant she'd been repudiated by her parents. She didn't even know she had a younger sister. Imagine Lakshmi's shock when her husband Hari turns up with this unknown sister, Radha, a young girl of thirteen.
Over the years Lakshmi has built up her business and is nearing her goal of building and owning her own house. Her wonderful assistant, a cocky, shrewd, street kid Malik is a stand out gem and a strong secondary character.
Now this sister, this puzzling girl who is stubborn and strong willed, who has been used to fending for herself and retaliating when she was scorned has thrown her plans askew. The changes wrought to Lakshmi's life are catastrophic to her peace of mind, although eventually enlightening. I will confess my feelings about sister Radha are mixed, as are Lakshmi's.
Lakshmi has built up a clientele of high class, wealthy ladies and is on the verge of bringing off a financial coup, taking her services beyond that of henna artist to marriage broker and more, including coveted access to the palace. Radha threatens this.
Lakshmi had learned from Hari's mother to mix traditional herbal concoctions to benefit her ladies in healing and well being. The darker side is that she also mixes herbs for those very same ladies' husbands and sons to give to their mistresses and even female household servants if necessary. Lakshmi is building towards her goals from mixed sources. In the end those Lakshmi trusted are but paper cutouts and the goals she had, turn to ash. Gossip and vengeance take hold.
I was absorbed by this look at a culture unknown. The realization that though we may do things differently there is still love, jealousy, revenge and redemption for all.
I was shocked by the sordidness of the scene within Lakshmi builder's home and as repulsed by that situation as she, even as she recognizes the builder's wife as a fellow traveller.
This is such a rich and colorful novel--in culture and characters. I was drawn by so many aspects that were startling and unexpected, woven seamlessly throughout. Along with Lakshmi I was alternately pleased, puzzled, hurt and shattered. Truly, Lakshmi's moment of triumph, and reconciliation to the truth of her gift is both redemptive and uplifting.
An amazing read!
A Harlequin - Mira ARC via NetGalley
I found the background to this novel set in 1950's Jaipur fascinating. I knew nothing about henna work, well a few vague suppositions, but I was totally engaged by the art Lakshmi practised. I became immersed in her culture. I marvelled at how Lakshmi included henna motifs from
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other people she'd met, telling their stories. I was totally present as she combined her seemingly magical talent with traditional herbal medicine and her art. The Mindfulness of henna application comes to my thoughts. Lakshmi had fled an abusive husband. The shame brought upon her family meant she'd been repudiated by her parents. She didn't even know she had a younger sister. Imagine Lakshmi's shock when her husband Hari turns up with this unknown sister, Radha, a young girl of thirteen.
Over the years Lakshmi has built up her business and is nearing her goal of building and owning her own house. Her wonderful assistant, a cocky, shrewd, street kid Malik is a stand out gem and a strong secondary character.
Now this sister, this puzzling girl who is stubborn and strong willed, who has been used to fending for herself and retaliating when she was scorned has thrown her plans askew. The changes wrought to Lakshmi's life are catastrophic to her peace of mind, although eventually enlightening. I will confess my feelings about sister Radha are mixed, as are Lakshmi's.
Lakshmi has built up a clientele of high class, wealthy ladies and is on the verge of bringing off a financial coup, taking her services beyond that of henna artist to marriage broker and more, including coveted access to the palace. Radha threatens this.
Lakshmi had learned from Hari's mother to mix traditional herbal concoctions to benefit her ladies in healing and well being. The darker side is that she also mixes herbs for those very same ladies' husbands and sons to give to their mistresses and even female household servants if necessary. Lakshmi is building towards her goals from mixed sources. In the end those Lakshmi trusted are but paper cutouts and the goals she had, turn to ash. Gossip and vengeance take hold.
I was absorbed by this look at a culture unknown. The realization that though we may do things differently there is still love, jealousy, revenge and redemption for all.
I was shocked by the sordidness of the scene within Lakshmi builder's home and as repulsed by that situation as she, even as she recognizes the builder's wife as a fellow traveller.
This is such a rich and colorful novel--in culture and characters. I was drawn by so many aspects that were startling and unexpected, woven seamlessly throughout. Along with Lakshmi I was alternately pleased, puzzled, hurt and shattered. Truly, Lakshmi's moment of triumph, and reconciliation to the truth of her gift is both redemptive and uplifting.
An amazing read!
A Harlequin - Mira ARC via NetGalley
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LibraryThing member GlennBell
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
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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. Show Less
LibraryThing member fredreeca
Lakshmi was in an abusive, arranged marriage. She escaped and created a whole new life for herself. She is the most sought after henna artist in her city. She thinks she is on the right path to riches. Then her estranged husband shows up with her little sister in tow. This threatens everything she
I love Lakshmi! As most of you know, I love strong women characters and Lakshmi is one of the strongest. She has created herself a new life. She is building a house and creating a business which just keeps growing. She has a tenacity rarely seen. And her talent! Oh my! I could just picture her work in my mind! When her new life starts to unravel….you need to read this to find out how…she LEARNS from it and does not let it stop her.
This book is super good. I have never read a book about a henna artist. I will be honest, I did not even know they existed. I was so impressed with Lakshmi’s courage, talent and intelligence. Plus, the culture in this read…I learned a great deal!
Do not miss this one! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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has worked so hard to achieve.I love Lakshmi! As most of you know, I love strong women characters and Lakshmi is one of the strongest. She has created herself a new life. She is building a house and creating a business which just keeps growing. She has a tenacity rarely seen. And her talent! Oh my! I could just picture her work in my mind! When her new life starts to unravel….you need to read this to find out how…she LEARNS from it and does not let it stop her.
This book is super good. I have never read a book about a henna artist. I will be honest, I did not even know they existed. I was so impressed with Lakshmi’s courage, talent and intelligence. Plus, the culture in this read…I learned a great deal!
Do not miss this one! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
I read this for book club and disliked it very much. I disliked all the characters in it apart from Malik and Dr Kumar. I particularly disliked Lakshmi and Radha. All of the relationships in the book were transactional and no one spoke truth to any one else (or really cared what the truth
Lakshmi was a henna artist, but really the story was more about her skills as a herbalist and abortionist. I was forcing myself to read 50 pages a day to get through it in time for our meeting, but have just skimmed it to the end so I don't have it hanging over me any more.
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was).Lakshmi was a henna artist, but really the story was more about her skills as a herbalist and abortionist. I was forcing myself to read 50 pages a day to get through it in time for our meeting, but have just skimmed it to the end so I don't have it hanging over me any more.
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LibraryThing member janismack
Laskani left an abusive husband and moves to Jaipur. She started a business of Henna artist to rich ladies of the city. She worked hard was able to save money to build her own house. Everything changes when her younger sister turns up at her door.
LibraryThing member froxgirl
With an extra 1/2 star for being a relaxing summer read, this novel is populated by memorable characters. Set in Jaipur in 1955, the story of the aspirational Lakshmi and her sister Radha will immerse you in wealthy and poor Indian culture, family life, and food. After running away from her abusive
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husband but also the love of a devoted mother-in-law, Lakshmi is notorious for the exquisite and unique designs she paints on ladies’ hands and her healing potent herbal concoctions. She is almost ready to move into her own home when her younger sister Radha, born after Lakshmi's forced marriage at 15, arrives from their village and upsets Lakshmi's carefully developed plans. Secondary characters are essential here, including the whimsical Maharani and devoted Malik, a Muslim boy who becomes her assistant. There's a helpful glossary of Hindu phrases and a guide to the characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member jmoncton
This is possibly my favorite book of the year and I've read a LOT of books this year (2020 - the year of catching up on that TBR list). It has many of the elements of what I'm looking for in a story -- historic fiction, rich in culture and history, complex nuanced characters who develop as the
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story goes on, and a captivating plot. This would make a fantastic book club selection and delves deep into the topic of feminism, social pressure and personal choices. I'm hoping my friends read this book -- it's the type of story that you can discuss long into the night. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cariola
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
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?
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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?
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LibraryThing member midkid88
Hard to get through.
LibraryThing member deslivres5
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.
LibraryThing member Amzzz
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
LibraryThing member Lisa2013
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
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
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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
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LibraryThing member gypsysmom
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
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.
Shortly after India's independence Lakshmi earns her living in the
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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.
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LibraryThing member Gingersnap000
If you enjoy learning about other cultures, this book is a must read. The story is outdated as it takes place over 50 years ago but some traditions die hard!
LibraryThing member shazjhb
Excellent book set in India. Great story
LibraryThing member delphimo
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
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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. Show Less
LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
The Henna Artist: A Novel, Alka Joshi, author; Sneha Mathan, narrator
At 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
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.
At 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
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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.
Show Less
LibraryThing member pdebolt
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
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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. Show Less
LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
"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
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.
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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.
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LibraryThing member bookczuk
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
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the land he so loved like a carpet beneath her feet. Pandemic read. Show Less
LibraryThing member Griffin_Reads
The Henna Artist follows Lakshmi, a henna artist living in Jaipur, India in the 1950s, as she escapes her abusive husband, saves for a home of her own, and cares for a sister she only just found out about.
The premise originally seemed intriguing, and I was quite excited to read it. Unfortunately,It also oddly felt like it was supportive of teenage pregnancy(???) despite Lakshmi trying to convince her 13-year-old sister to get an abortion.
Even beyond the content of the book, I did not care for the writing style. Lakshmi kept dealing with the same things over and over again, to the point that it got boring reading about it. It also tried so hard to be unpredictable that it swung all the way around to being extremely predictable.
I would not have finished this had I not read it for a book club.
The premise originally seemed intriguing, and I was quite excited to read it. Unfortunately,
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it did not live up to expectation. It felt very trauma touristy, taking a woman from among the top social classes in India and making her life miserable, which gave it a sour feeling. The problems she was having seemed more in line with the working class in the US instead of the elite in India. Additionally, it was written in a way that made it seem like it was taking place, at the earliest, in the 1980s, not the 1950s. Even beyond the content of the book, I did not care for the writing style. Lakshmi kept dealing with the same things over and over again, to the point that it got boring reading about it. It also tried so hard to be unpredictable that it swung all the way around to being extremely predictable.
I would not have finished this had I not read it for a book club.
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Awards
Reese's Book Club (2020-05 — 2020)
Language
Original publication date
2020-03-10
2020-3-3
ISBN
9781432885069