A review by kris_tea516
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Book 81 of 2024
“The Henna Artist” by Alka Joshi
5/5 ⭐️ 

Set in Jaipur, India in the 1950’s, this is the story of a woman who left her abusive husband to make herself a better life. The unexpected arrival of a sister she never knew existed upends life & disrupts her plans. The years of work she spent building up a reputation of an expert henna artist & medicine woman is on the line. 

This was a beautifully written story of how life never goes the way we plan but it also a redemption story for almost every character involved. It is also a story of how none of us build a life outside of community. Through our journey people help us along sometimes in a benevolent spirit & sometimes with evil intent that leads to growth in character. No one in this story is entirely good or entirely bad…well, maybe one character…

I loved this book but I will warn that it may not be for everyone. There is some pretty intense scenes & topics discussed that are definitely not for kids but also many adults might prefer to skip this book so I will list some trigger warnings:
  • emotional, mental, physical, & sexual abuse (at least one horrifyingly graphic mention of sexual abuse)
  • Heavy discussion & focus at times around abortion
  • One very descriptive sex scene
  • Prostitution
  • Abandonment
  • Infertility, miscarriage & still birth
  • Death of a parent
  • Arranged marriages
  • Depression
  • Suicide
  • Infidelity
  • Sexual harassment 


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