The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Reading The Henna Artist, first novel by Alka Joshi , transported me to 1956, post independence India. Main character, Lakshmi, after fleeing from her arranged marriage to an abusive husband, makes her way to rural India, learning to be a henna artist on the way , serving the wealthy who believe henna artistry has magical powers. She faces huge challenges, financial and emotional because a woman without a husband is the object of reproach. Even her parents shun her because she has shamed them by leaving her husband.
We meet a cast of characters along her journey and learn about the culture and customs of India. I love learning about exotic places through historical fiction and since travel isn’t an option , I gravitated toward this book and it didn’t disappoint!

Written by Mary Beth B., Circulation