The Henna Artist book cover by Alka Joshi

The Henna Artist

Teen & Young Adult • Cultural Heritage
Lakshmi escapes an abusive marriage Becomes a henna artist in Jaipur Navigates relationships with wealthy clients Struggles for independence in a changing society Faces societal expectations and harsh realities

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. Seventeen-year-old Lakshmi, escaping from an abusive marriage, makes her way alone to the pink city of Jaipur. She becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. Lakshmi must tread carefully to protect her reputation and her livelihood while pursuing her dream of independence.

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Cultural Heritage

Reader guide

What to Know Before Reading The Henna Artist

Follow the journey of Lakshmi as she navigates a vibrant yet challenging world. Escaping an abusive marriage, she finds herself in Jaipur, where her talent as a henna artist opens doors and reveals unexpected secrets.

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About the author

Alka Joshi

Alka Joshi

Born in India and raised in the U.S. since she was nine, Alka Joshi has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts. Joshi's debut novel, The Henna Artist, immediately became a NYT bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon Bookclub pick, was Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, & is in development at Netflix as a TV series. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur (2021) and The Perfumist of Paris (2023) completed the Jaipur Trilogy. Her fourth novel, Six Days in Bombay, will be released in February 2025. She is currently working on her fifth novel. In 2024, Joshi was selected for the Forbes 50 over 50 List, celebrating women who are shattering age and gender norms across all sectors of the American economy and culture.
Author information: Wikipedia
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“"Captivated me from the first chapter to the final page."—Reese Witherspoon”

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