Reviews

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

alycat48's review against another edition

inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

starrywonder's review against another edition

4.0

A Quick Escape to A Different World

I've always been fascinated by henna. Before I was old enough for real tattoos, I would always get henna ones at a Renaissance festival.

It's beautiful.

Lakshmi is very talented and driven. She made a way for herself. Unfortunately she was a shell of herself. Her sister helped push her.

It's a truly moving story and shows how quickly your reputation can grow and be tarnished.

The end leaves a great sense of hope and optimism about our main "family."

aimbotee's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

3.5

sandiet's review against another edition

5.0

It took Ms. Joshi 10 years to write this book and I'd wait another 10 to read another one of her novels. I loved this book. (thankfully though, the sequel to this one will be out this year). This is the story of Lakshmi who escapes an abusive marriage and finds herself in Jaipur. She makes a name for herself as a henna artist to the elite upper caste. The road for a single woman in India is not easy and she is faced with many obstacles not least of which is discovering she has a 13 year old sister. My favourite character other than Lakshmi, is Malik and I'm hoping he plays a prominent role in the second book.

crazyherblady's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-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

3.0

jrbachus's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book. Always kept me guessing

manderzreadz's review against another edition

5.0

This book highlights the female struggles in 1950’s India such as the caste system, family expectations, arranged marriages, and general lack of control of one’s circumstances. It was a great read that pulls you in from the start. I also loved reading the history of Henna and the recipe add ons at the back of the book!

nick_27's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jkmis's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

im_jisoo27's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5