How do you react/feel when you have read a book that is about a positive, determined, and persevering lady?
The henna artist is a story about such a lady. The story revolves around Lakshmi and her younger sister Radha. Lakshmi is a henna artist who also is well versed in herbal remedies for various ailments. She not only does fabulous intricate and elaborate henna designs but is also a keen observer, outgoing and empathetic. She has worked very hard and made a niche for herself among the ladies of the upper class. She is aware of who wants what. She is considered as a person with a solution for any difficulty. Because of her network and charming personality, she gets the opportunity to attend to a princess. Hence her demand increases. Her sister who has joined her after 13 years finds everything mesmerising and because of Lakshmi’s connections, she gets admitted to a school meant for royalties. But events turn sour, but Lakshmi doesn’t give up and faces every situation bravely and cleverly. She paves her way through many difficulties.
The book is historical fiction of the post-independence era based in Jaipur.
It covers many aspects of life: emotion, empathy, jealousy, love between sisters, social disparities.
A very interesting aspect of the book was that many proverbs have been translated verbatim from Hindi proverbs.
There are a few small write-ups at the end of the book which are very interesting, recipes for making yummy dishes and concocting mehndi, the story of henna, and a small note on the Indian caste system.
It’s a captivating novel from the beginning and I couldn't put it down till I finished. It made me want to know what happened next, so I kept reading. I am keen on starting the next book in the series, ‘The secret keeper of Jaipur’
A very well-written book with a beautiful storyline. It’s a must-read!