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The Henna Artist
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
- Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Women's Fiction
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Publisher's Summary
A New York Times best seller
A Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick
"Eloquent and moving...Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love." (Publishers Weekly)
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, 17-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.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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What listeners say about The Henna Artist
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- KLML
- 2020-05-10
Phenomenal and Amazing - a true journey :)
Alka Joshi brought her characters to LIFE in this incredible story. It feels as though we are traveling to Jaipur in the 1950s and are right alongside Lakshimi on her journey. The ups, the downs, the joys, the heartbreak. And Iearned so much about India and Indian culture at the same time. This is a must read - especially in a time when we cannot travel - Alka Joshi brings us on a far away adventure without having to step foot out of our own homes. I recently joined Reese's Book club and we began our own virtual meetings. We cannot wait to discuss this one. Wow. Thank you Alka Joshi! And thank you Reese Witherspoon for bringing this amazing book into our lives. KLML
6 people found this helpful
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- KuvyG
- 2020-06-06
My first audible book.
My first book period in a long long time. Since I was a teenager. I loved it. Maybe I enjoyed it a little more because I had recently been to Rajasthan for the first time in my life. This was a great story. I didn't want it to end. ♡♡♡
3 people found this helpful
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- Randa Saleh
- 2020-06-04
It's OK
The story is OK. Literally just OK. Reading the reviews here, I honestly thought I was going to encounter an epic book. It wasn't. Was just meh. Sometimes it was boring and sometimes I cringed. Also sometimes I rolled my eyes at the exaggerations in the story.
3 people found this helpful
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- Natasha Hill
- 2020-06-02
Maybe suited to an older generation
This book was just fair.It wasn't sensational or exciting.It was just an okay story with a few storylines that were interesting.The hints of overcoming abuse,were more of a referenced sub plot that something we experienced with the narrator.These were plots that I wish had more depth and better developed storyline but issues were quickly resolved and maybe more scandalous for older persons from that culture who may gasp at the details shared. I am glad the end was positive but overall it just wasn't enough.
3 people found this helpful
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- J Gregory
- 2020-06-08
A fantastic look into Indian life
I thought this book was very interesting. A good performance, well paced and nice voice quality. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys immersion into other cultures and times.
2 people found this helpful
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- Trinisunflower
- 2020-05-28
Friends
I shall miss my new friend Lakshmi. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and admire her perseverance, intelligence and good heart. A well told tale that drew me in almost immediately.
2 people found this helpful
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- Christine S
- 2020-05-24
Such a great listen!
Loved the narration, loved the story and the characters! I was sad when it was over. Looking forward to more books from Alka Joshi!
2 people found this helpful
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- Kristine Alberta
- 2020-12-06
More please!
I loved this story and the beautiful narrator. Is there more by this author!? I’m going to look right now!
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 2020-05-15
This book was incredible, I couldn’t stop listening to it!
Thoughtful and interesting characters made this story completely incredible!! I would recommend it to anyone, it was beautifully written and gave me insight into a culture I barely understand. Love it!!
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 2021-01-19
Meh🤷♀️
started out okay..I love hearing about life in India..but it never seemed to pick up..a dull listen .hard to get through👎
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- Anonymous User
- 2020-04-23
Lyrical and inspiring
This debut novel is impossible to put down and swept me away on a tantalizing journey through 1950s Jaipur. I found the entire cast of characters fully realized in the author's lyrical words, and the story replete with color and culture. I especially enjoyed the clever interplay of the audience's realizations with the protagonist's, along with her internal discourse as she is faced with the hefty weight of fate and external machinations balancing on a knife's edge. Phenomenal book!
79 people found this helpful
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- Jbo
- 2020-05-02
Heartwarming story about sisters and finding one’s calling
Excellent story and narration! The story takes place in India during the late 1940’s and highlights the challenges Indian women (especially working class) faced. I enjoyed the personal journey each of the main characters underwent while having to choose between personal desires and family needs. I definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy historical fiction and stories about overcoming the odds.
48 people found this helpful
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- Yara N.
- 2020-07-03
A beautiful and unique story!
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is a beautiful and vividly drawn story of perseverance, inner strength, love, sisterhood, and the oppressions and disadvantages faced by women. The book follows a henna artist named Lakshmi who ran away from an abusive marriage to make a life for herself as an independent woman in 1950s' India. As Lakshmi works to achieve her goal of owning her own home she is surprised by the appearance of a younger sister she knew nothing about. Radha is just 13 years old and has just lost her mother, having lost her father not too long ago. Orphaned she goes in search of her only living relative. Lakshmi abandonment of her husband had estranged her from her family but she had hoped that her parents would eventually forgive her and come and live with her once she had her own home. Her parents, however, never did forgive her and died never having spoken to their youngest daughter about her older sister. At least when they meet Radha has already learned about Lakshmi, but Lakshmi is completely surprised by her meeting Radha. Now, with this unexpected appearance Lakshmi has to learn to take care of this 13 year old girl, while still trying to work towards her goals. Unfortunately, Radha, who's had to fend for herself for a long time is wile and turns out to be rebellious and her actions have a disastrous effect in Lakshmi life. I loved the character of Lakshmi, I found her strength and determination admirable. Despite all the obstacles she faces she always manages to go forward and has the flexibility to adjust her life to circumstances even when they are not of her own making. She isn't perfect, at all, she makes many mistakes but isn't afraid to acknowledge them even if she's slow to accept them at times. Even as she is the heroine of the story, we see her trip numerous times and have to reckon with the consequences of her actions throughout. I had a much harder time with the character of Radha. She reminded me too much of the character of Briony from Atonement, who is probably one of my least favorite character in literature. For me, what bothers me about these characters is how selfish and careless they are and how, at least in Briony case she never truly atones for her actions. They are destructive people but at least in Radha's case in the end, unlike Briony, she does learn and does the right thing. Some of you might think I'm being harsh but I do in fact know what is like to be a hormonal 13 year old girl, and well, Radha was pretty shitty towards her Lakshmi. Sure, Lakshmi wasn't perfect, she made mistakes but Radha's actions went too far. Anyway, this was the only gripe I had with the story, everything else I loved. I will say that when we first meet Radha I did sympathize with her and I genuinely wanted to like her but I couldn't. I've never been to India and the way the author described the scenes, the people, the smells, the food, it make me feel like I was there. It was so vividly drawl that you could almost smell the food as it was being cooked. The characters, primary, secondary, and tertiary where well rounded and fully drawn people. No one was a caricature or a "Mary Sue". They had complexity and nuance to their personalities — it was quite remarkable. You could sympathize even with those character who became antagonist. It was very believable and relatable. The cherry on top of this was the AMAZING narrator, Sneha Mathan! This is the first audiobook I've listened to from Mathan and I was completely blown away. First, her voice is silky and melodious and second her acting was first rate. Incredible diversity of voices. I'd listen to her read the newspaper. Aces! Overall, I was incredibly pleased by both the book and the narration and would read and listen to this author and narrator again.
37 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 2020-05-03
Captivated from the start
If you are searching for your next listen/read, look no further. The author weaves a story rich in culture, diverse in topics, and with imagery so rich I could “see” the henna, the fabrics, the mandalas, etc. The story of trials and triumphs, perseverance, customs and traditions, new beginnings...this book has everything. This book makes me want to learn more about Indian culture while being relatable to any woman. The narrator has a tone and cadence that is beautiful and easy to follow. I couldn’t put this one down. I started yesterday and finished today. Easily the best book I’ve listed to in months!
35 people found this helpful
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- WI shopper
- 2020-03-25
Excellent!
The story is well narrated and keeps the listener engaged throughout. It was so interesting to learn about the mores of another culture. Recommend highly!
35 people found this helpful
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- S. G.
- 2020-05-23
I tried very hard to love it
No question, it's a beautifully written and narrated book, but I wasn't able to stay involved and connected to the story or its characters. I feel that maybe this book is meant to be read conventionally, not via Audible format. I have finished it but while listening over several days, many times I caught myself missing large chunks of the novel and I didn't feel like going back to catch up. I might buy the paper book and read it eventually.
30 people found this helpful
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- Amy
- 2020-06-21
Not for me
If you enjoy reading about a female heroine who helps women have abortions and has an adulterous affair then this is the book for you. Will screen Reese’s recommendations better in the future.
28 people found this helpful
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- H. Kirchbach
- 2020-05-18
Wonderful travel by book while sheltering in place !
I really enjoyed this debut novel. Joshi captures the small details very well, and makes the characters engaging. I particularly liked her descriptions of the colors and images - of the saris, the henna, the surroundings. The story played out well, the characters were well developed, their struggles were relatable and well written, the story had enough intrigue to keep me reading and a plot that made me want to know how it ended. Economic and social realities were not obliterated. But at the same time it was magical. It was a perfect read for "shelter-in-place," taking me somewhere else in my imagination, what struck me the most was the detailed description of everyday life, dress, ritual, homes, etc. on virtually every page. The intricacies of the details made me feel as if I were present: hearing, seeing, smelling and touching the heart of India. Great narration !
19 people found this helpful
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- Susan
- 2020-05-13
Empowering - Purchase now!
I was immediately transported to India. I loved the story so much, I didn't want it to end.
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- enya keshet
- 2020-06-07
Missed potential
Good story materials, but a shallow, repetitive, mediocre writing job left them weak and disappointing.
17 people found this helpful
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- anna ker
- 2020-06-03
Colourful trip to India
Atmospheric, delicious and fragrant. Loved the gossip ladies and detail. Beautifully read. A rare find.