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  • The Henna Artist

  • Written by: Alka Joshi
  • Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
  • Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,327 ratings)

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The Henna Artist cover art

The Henna Artist

Written by: Alka Joshi
Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
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Publisher's Summary

A New York Times Best Seller

A Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick

"Captivated me from the first chapter to the final page." (Reese Witherspoon)

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, seventeen-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.

“Eloquent and moving…Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love.” (Publishers Weekly)

Look for The Secret Keeper of Jaipur from New York Times best-selling author Alka Joshi!

©2020 Alka Joshi (P)2020 HarperAudio

What listeners say about The Henna Artist

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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. ♡♡♡

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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!

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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More please!

I loved this story and the beautiful narrator. Is there more by this author!? I’m going to look right now!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

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!!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

It’s good, not great

Good story, I like the characters. It’s not amazing like some reviewers wrote . Narrator did a good job though.

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1 person found this helpful