Jen's Reviews > The Henna Artist

I absolutely loved reading this book. I got completely immersed in Lakshmi's world and felt that Alka Joshi appealed to all of my senses through her lyrical smooth writing. Lakshmi was a strong female protagonist who is brave and smart and admirable but also fallible and relatable. I loved how all of the characters wound together and enjoyed seeing different sides of their personalities through their relationships with others. I would highly recommend this book as a must read.

There is a character list and a glossary of Indian words and some recipes and I confess that I started out with the list open in front of me on the laptop while I read so that I would be able to keep track and was a bit nervous that there would be too many characters and I would be pulled out of the story trying to sort everyone out. That was not the case. Not long into the book, I closed my laptop and let the story tell itself.

1950's India and it's caste system are showed to us through Lakshmi and her sister and each of their journey's, from poverty to building an independent life. Lakshmi is a Henna artist and a herbalist and although seaming to float gracefully through many different castes, we see that her every action is quite calculated and careful to preserve her income and way of life.

The supporting characters are fully developed and as with all people, are all motivated differently, giving the book a depth that really stands out.

The imagery is so stunning and yet fluid to the story that it doesn't force itself on you, it envelops you.

I cheered for Lakshmi through trials and celebrations and when the story finished, I felt like I closed the door on a new friend that I would miss. Go read this book!!!!