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joopa09's review against another edition
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Miscarriage, Abortion, Domestic abuse, Infertility, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Sexism, Infidelity, and Bullying
sydapel's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
3.0
I went into this with slightly different expectations than what the book actually is, which is entirely on me for taking a TikTok recommendation and not reading a blurb. I did enjoy the lovely and obviously deeply researched depictions of class dynamics, social norms and living conditions in Jaipur post-colonialism. However, I found the characters and plot to be a bit predictable and weak. I felt like I could guess every plot point coming about 10 pages sooner than it was revealed on page (or over the audio, in my case), and it drove me a bit crazy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion and Classism
Moderate: Miscarriage, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Misogyny
hanzy's review against another edition
5.0
The Henna Artist takes you back to a post-colonised India, fresh from the gashes left by the British to the youthful vigour of a newly independent country.
Through the protagonist, Lakshmi Shastri, we see the life of a woman who has achieved her independency after years of hard work, coming to a point where the brutality of her past doesn’t haunt her as much anymore.
A beautifully portrayed character who shows strength and power, while establishing familial love despite the hardships and hurdles faced.
A character with whom empathising was as easy as it could get, getting so absorbed that we perceive everything as was perceived through the character’s eyes
A wonderful read, a definite recommendation from me.
Through the protagonist, Lakshmi Shastri, we see the life of a woman who has achieved her independency after years of hard work, coming to a point where the brutality of her past doesn’t haunt her as much anymore.
A beautifully portrayed character who shows strength and power, while establishing familial love despite the hardships and hurdles faced.
A character with whom empathising was as easy as it could get, getting so absorbed that we perceive everything as was perceived through the character’s eyes
A wonderful read, a definite recommendation from me.
maliha_15's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
londoncallnme's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
4.5
lydknoll's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mec8337's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed the insights into Indian life and culture right after achieving independence from Britain, and I liked Lakshmi, the main character. The audiobook narrator had a LOT of voices to do (very large cast of characters) and did a wonderful job with all of them. The story was compelling.
However, I HATED Radha, Lakshmi’s younger sister. I know she is young but I found her so unsympathetic. It could be that I am a people pleaser so if my sister told me that I needed to behave a certain way in order to not upset the delicate balance she’d created, I would.
However, I HATED Radha, Lakshmi’s younger sister. I know she is young but I found her so unsympathetic. It could be that I am a people pleaser so if my sister told me that I needed to behave a certain way in order to not upset the delicate balance she’d created, I would.
erikajay's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t read a lot of fiction books like this, but the cover is absolutely beautiful and I’m intrigued by historical fiction books set in India.
The characters are flawed and therefore realistic. Radha was my least favorite character. She was a clueless spoiled brat, which was surprising, considering the way the sisters were raised. But I think her outcast status as a young child greatly contributed to her need to form a connection. Unfortunately this just leads her to being taken advantage of by an older guy. I was surprised by how that storyline played out.
One thing that I did enjoy was the struggles of Lakshmi and those around her. Everybody had struggles, from the royals on down to the common folk. There were also consequences to their actions. Lakshmi makes a bad choice and it ultimately ruins everything that she worked so hard for. She got the karma that she deserved.
I looked forward to listening to this book and I enjoyed the writing style. I think it fit the type of book and the time period it was set in. I would definitely read more from this author!
The characters are flawed and therefore realistic. Radha was my least favorite character. She was a clueless spoiled brat, which was surprising, considering the way the sisters were raised. But I think her outcast status as a young child greatly contributed to her need to form a connection. Unfortunately this just leads her to being taken advantage of by an older guy. I was surprised by how that storyline played out.
One thing that I did enjoy was the struggles of Lakshmi and those around her. Everybody had struggles, from the royals on down to the common folk. There were also consequences to their actions. Lakshmi makes a bad choice and it ultimately ruins everything that she worked so hard for. She got the karma that she deserved.
I looked forward to listening to this book and I enjoyed the writing style. I think it fit the type of book and the time period it was set in. I would definitely read more from this author!
katieku's review against another edition
The loan period ran out. I will try again soon
janellejx's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0