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  • The Henna Artist

  • By: Alka Joshi
  • Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
  • Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (764 ratings)
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The Henna Artist cover art

The Henna Artist

By: Alka Joshi
Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
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Summary

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 from New York Times best-selling author Alka Joshi!

©2020 Alka Joshi (P)2020 HarperAudio

What listeners say about The Henna Artist

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A nice, gentle read

I enjoyed this book. It was non-taxing and a little predictable in places but gently evocative of time and place, the characters sympathetic. I am not certain how plausable all the parts of the story are for the time in which it's set but I let it go.
My only real gripe is that it's written in American English and some of the words used and pronunciation really jars when you realise the English spoken in India during the 50's and 60's was almost certainly British, not American.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Evocative

Such a lovely story, written so well you can almost smell the Indian spices in the air and see the colours of the people. Characters you can enjoy their journeys with.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Charming story, an easy listen.

After a slightly dull start this story blossomed into one full of charm and elegance, history and culture. The author created the scenes in my imagination with ease, using beautiful descriptions of places, people and colours. The characters were strong and I really didn't want it to end!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Nice easy read

This was a very light read. A good story just to take a break between heavier novels. I definitely enjoyed it. Parts of the book were a bit like she was just describing her day to day movement without any point that I could see. Like I did A and then I did B... and then I did C. A bit like that song Friday. Maybe it was to immerse into the culture. I found it a bit much. Overall I would recommend for a nice easy read.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful story

Not just a love story and not predictable at all. Beautiful love and sacrifice of family and dear friends. Loves every minute of it

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Captivating read

This book was captivating from the first chapter and the narrator was excellent. I highly recommend. I will start the sequel now.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

nostalgic of a time india

if you have ever been to india this book will revive all your memories again. a bit predictable but so beautifully written you will be happy to go along for the ride.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Exquisite

This book dealt with difficult topics, but it was far from difficult to listen to. The characters and plot are as intricately designed as the Henna patterns described in the book. Sneha Mathan's voice is as smooth and rich as caramel. I want to go back and savour the whole story again.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful tale

Narrated beautifully, transports you to the 50's with a lovely story with a lot of twists.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Spellbinding

A real immersion in the life in Jaipur after partitioning. A beautiful story full of thrilling suspense .

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1 person found this helpful