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A review by bookmarkedbybritt
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I love when I book challenges societal norms for women (past or present). 🙌
In The Henna Artist, Lakshmi flees an abusive arranged marriage as a teen to try and find a life that is truly her own in 1950’s Jaipur. Her drive to create more for herself allows her the opportunity to become indispensable to the women of Jaipur, which we see throughout the book. The surprise entry of a sister shakes her world, but the resulting story is beautiful. ❤️
What I loved the most about this book is how Joshi created such powerful but imperfect characters. I felt so connected to Lakshmi and her journey, and also so invested in her decisions. There is a power is having to find answers for yourself and I thought this was beautifully written into this book. Lakshmi was a true hero in working from within the oppressive patriarchal norms to elevate and empower women to make their own choices.
I also loved the storyline of Lakshmi and her younger sister Radha. In a world where Lakshmi is providing choice to all women, it was interesting to see her try to prevent her sister from walking a path she viewed as difficult. Her overcoming her own personal obstacles to be that guiding force to Radha was a really great storyline to read.
I have really been enjoying books set in India this year, and this book really solidified why. The Henna Artist is evocative and lush in its writing and made me feel entirely transported into the colours, sounds and smells of Jaipur. I loved the way this incredible story of feminine power was written, and I’d highly recommend it.
If you have sensitivities to pregnancy-related storylines, I would recommend you visit the CW for the book before giving it a go. ❤️
In The Henna Artist, Lakshmi flees an abusive arranged marriage as a teen to try and find a life that is truly her own in 1950’s Jaipur. Her drive to create more for herself allows her the opportunity to become indispensable to the women of Jaipur, which we see throughout the book. The surprise entry of a sister shakes her world, but the resulting story is beautiful. ❤️
What I loved the most about this book is how Joshi created such powerful but imperfect characters. I felt so connected to Lakshmi and her journey, and also so invested in her decisions. There is a power is having to find answers for yourself and I thought this was beautifully written into this book. Lakshmi was a true hero in working from within the oppressive patriarchal norms to elevate and empower women to make their own choices.
I also loved the storyline of Lakshmi and her younger sister Radha. In a world where Lakshmi is providing choice to all women, it was interesting to see her try to prevent her sister from walking a path she viewed as difficult. Her overcoming her own personal obstacles to be that guiding force to Radha was a really great storyline to read.
I have really been enjoying books set in India this year, and this book really solidified why. The Henna Artist is evocative and lush in its writing and made me feel entirely transported into the colours, sounds and smells of Jaipur. I loved the way this incredible story of feminine power was written, and I’d highly recommend it.
If you have sensitivities to pregnancy-related storylines, I would recommend you visit the CW for the book before giving it a go. ❤️