# The Henna Artist

**Alka Joshi**

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

### Save to Your Books

[Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/book/9781432885069)  
[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1432885065)

## Posts about this title from Lace Read

### 10 Books to Read on Your Next Vacation 📚 thriller, romance & historical fiction book recommendations

I recently went on vacation, which got me thinking about what books I’d recommend for someone on vacation! I compiled a list of 10 books—historical fiction, thriller, & romance reads—that would be fun to bring on a trip.

Commissionable links to the books mentioned:
- The Henna Artist [https://amzn.to/44f3FAp](https://amzn.to/44f3FAp)
- Mary Jane [https://amzn.to/3QhZfpk](https://amzn.to/3QhZfpk)
- Carrie Soto is Back [https://amzn.to/4xsBmMv](https://amzn.to/4xsBmMv)
- The Girl on the Train [https://amzn.to/4e98q4v](https://amzn.to/4e98q4v)
- The Last Mrs. Parrish [https://amzn.to/4xoxL1P](https://amzn.to/4xoxL1P)
- Dear Child [https://amzn.to/4vUD87D](https://amzn.to/4vUD87D)
- One Golden Summer [https://amzn.to/4eEu1Sx](https://amzn.to/4eEu1Sx)
- First-Time Caller [https://amzn.to/4eEu2G5](https://amzn.to/4eEu2G5)
- The Seven Year Slip [https://amzn.to/4xuRGwc](https://amzn.to/4xuRGwc)
- You Deserve Each Other [https://amzn.to/43UMaWh](https://amzn.to/43UMaWh)

Bindery page: [https://laceread.binderybooks.com](https://laceread.binderybooks.com)

I hope the books you read bring you joy 🌟

## Related Links

### 10 Historical Fiction Book Recommendations by the Decade 📚 • five star historical fiction recs !!

Finally time to recommend some books from my favorite genre!! You can’t go wrong with any of these historical fiction book recommendations—most of them are five star reads for me!

Let me know if you like any of these books or if you have any recommendations for me. I love talking books, especially this genre!!!

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