The Henna Artist - Alka Joshi

Written by Alka Joshi
Read by Sneha Mathan
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Release date: March 3, 2020
Duration: 10:56:09

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.

“Joshi’s evocative descriptions capture India’s sensory ambience (horse-drawn tongas, pungent cooking fires and incense, and colorful saris), drawing readers deep into her moving story. Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love..”
—Publishers Weekly

VERDICT An uplifting tale that highlights the power of family.

An Audible download would have a small pdf with terms and phrases and 2 receipts, as did my Overdrive copy. The Overdrive copy is protected, copied it, not fancy but info is there.