The Henna Artist: A Reese's Book Club Pick: 1 (The Jaipur Trilogy, 1)

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 more 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.

Loved the book and insight into a culture. Easy read and I wanted to follow the evolution of the characters, which I did with following books.

This book is so well written, that it is difficult to put it down. The people and places are so accurately described, you can really see them.

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.

This is a comfortable book to read. It is easy to relate to the characters. Some you like, some you don’t. There is anguish for almost all of the characters but it doesn’t detract from the outcomes.

I loved The Henna Artist! I took this to Rajasthan to read whilst travelling and it did not disappoint. I found the characters captivating and the story kept me turning page after page. I also took the opportunity to have henna applied to my hands by an artist - my very own Lakshmi! Looking forward to reading the next 2 books in the trilogy.

This is definitely a page Turner but lacked the depth in characters and so I felt a bit flat at the sycophantic ending. But a goodish read.

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.

What a great read!! Loved it from start to finish!

“The Henna Artist”, is an expressive tale filled with colourful characters, it enlightens the reader on the deeply rooted Indian caste system and the importance of henna as a cultural phenomenon. The storyline is compelling and intense in its portrait of Lakshmi’s struggle for fulfillment in a society rotating between the traditional and the modern. The author paints a picture as beautiful and intricate as Lakshmi’s designs, Lakshmi aims to balance impossible burdens, those curve balls that life throws our way. The setting is in northern India in 1955. The timing is significant since India had become an independent country just about a decade earlier. The nation’s struggle to achieve its own identity is mirrored in the struggle of the novel’s characters to define their own course in life, regardless of the caste they fall into. “The poor weren’t the only ones imprisoned by their caste”. At times the upper castes were so constricted, they too felt imprisoned, everything that glitters is not gold. Lakshmi flees from an abusive marriage at the young age of seventeen finally arriving to the pink city of Jaipur, gaining her independence over time, she is free, becoming a henna artist whose skills are in constant demand with the rich and powerful. The untimely arrival of Lakshmi’s husband Hari with her younger unknown sister Radha in tow turns her life completely upside down and inside out. The novel is mesmerizing, exotic and simply beautiful. What matters in the end is the significance of having the choice to live a fulfilling life, the ability to forgive and to muster the courage and strength to move forward releasing the heavy weight of the past. I throughly enjoyed the rich culture displayed within this book and how it showcases the intricacies in the art of henna as well as India’s food and traditions. Eloquently written, the freedom of choice is a powerful tool, sometimes the impact is positive and sometimes it is not, but there are lessons to be learned from it all, regardless. It’s a story that will captivate your heart. *The glossary of Indian terms proved to be very useful. They are located at the end of the novel. This novel has a couple of recipes at the end as well.

Ein hochinteressanter Roman, in dem ich viel über Indien gelernt habe. Da er Band 1 einer Trilogie ist, habe ich alle drei Bände gelesen. So sehr hat er mir gefallen.

Loved this book and learned so much more about India and it's customs. Wished the story didn't have to end. Really great read - lovely writing style but the subject matter so interesting and a wonderful story. Would make a great movie!

Alka Joshi brings to life India just after Independence. Easy to read, well written, a beautiful story that will remain in your memory for a long time. The characters are engaging and relatable. Enjoyed the story very much.