The Henna Artist

The Henna Artist is a Historical Fiction story set in 1950's India shortly after its independence from Britain and follows one woman's journey as she perseveres despite the limitations society has set against her.

I went into this book expecting an experience similar to the one I had with Michelle Moran's Rebel Queen (a book I adored) but unfortunately, I didn't have a similar experience with this debut. This was a case of good premise but weak execution. I applaud the author for addressing sexist rules, expectations and limitations put upon women at the time, but I felt the plot, pacing and character development weren't explored in much depth or emotion. 

The story focuses around Lakshmi and her younger sister (whose name I already forget) but I never quite felt invested in their lives and I thought their development was weak and disjointed - particularly Lakshmi's sister who unexplainedly went from a small village bumpkin to a confident, mouthy city teen in a few weeks time. The story includes many secondary characters - so many that the author includes a detailed character listing as well as a Hindi/English dictionary to help with the many Hindi words whose definitions weren't nicely incorporated into the dialogue. These lists quickly became too cumbersome to constantly access on my Kindle. 

I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this book more. I had expected a story rich in characters and culture but even though the themes were interesting, the plot was not nearly as riveting or emotional as this avid Historical Fiction fan had hoped. Fans who enjoy a lighter story about an underdog that wraps up nice and neatly by the final pages, may enjoy this book more than I did.

My Rating: 2.5 stars

Author: Alka Joshi

Genre: Historical Fiction (India)

Type and Source: eBook from public library

Publisher: Mira Books

First Published: March 3, 2020

Opening Lines: September 1955 - Her feet step lightly on the hard earth, calloused soles insensible to the tiny pebbles and caked mud along the riverbank.

Book Description from GoodReads: 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.