Review of THE HENNA ARTIST by Alka Joshi

3.5 Stars 

In the mid-1950s in Jaipur, India, Lakshmi Shastri works as a henna artist for upper caste women.  She is also an experienced herbalist.  Having fled an abusive arranged marriage, she has worked hard to establish a business and reputation.  All is going well until her husband Hari arrives with a young girl, Radha.  The thirteen-year-old is her sister of whose existence Lakshmi had been unaware.  The stubborn, high-spirited Radha threatens to upend all that her older sister has strived to build.

Lakshmi is a multi-dimensional character.  She is an intelligent, independent, determined, goal-oriented  self-made woman whom the reader cannot but like.  Of course, she’s not perfect; her pride and ambition sometimes cloud her judgement.  In the course of the novel, she becomes more self-aware and takes steps to change.   Her growth is convincing; she has sufficient time and motivation to change. 

Other characters are believable as well.  I found myself as frustrated with Radha as Lakshmi is, but I had to remind myself of her age.  Hari, the husband Lakshmi left, is someone it is easy to hate, but events show that he has good qualities as well.  Malik, the 8-year-old street urchin who acts as Lakshmi’s assistant, is so clever; he is the source of humour that does occasionally lighten the atmosphere.

The novel focuses on issues that primarily affect women:  motherhood, contraception, abortion, arranged marriages, domestic abuse, and societal expectations.  The vulnerability and powerlessness of poor women is heart-breaking, so Lakshmi’s efforts to empower herself and Radha are admirable. 

The book immerses the reader in Indian culture.  There is considerable information about customs, dress, ceremonies, and the caste system.  Any lover of Indian cuisine will enjoy the many food references. 

A weakness is the very tidy ending.  The author tried too hard to have a happy conclusion so the last chapters seem forced.  I gather there is a sequel, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, being released in North America in June.

I listened to this book, and the narration of Sneha Mathan is exceptional.  I’m happy I chose the audiobook format for this novel.  It is not a literary masterpiece but has an interesting, fairly fast-paced plot and engaging characters.  It also has a positive message about hope and healing.