Alka Joshi's writing is evocative and vivid, really bringing the 1950's India to life. A time when India was grappling with forging it's own identity, torn between tradition and modern influence. You can tell that a lot of time and research went into creating a story brimming with realistic characters and situations.

Lakshmi is the Henna Artist. At 17 she left an abusive marriage behind, escaping the countryside and eventually creating a life in Jaipur. Thirteen years later, Lakshmi is highly sought by the wealthy women for her intricate henna designs (with many believing her art lead to the birth of their sons or their family's good luck). She's the keeper of many secrets of these upper class women, but she's also hiding many of her own.

She finally feels stable in the new life she created. That is, until the past catches up with her. Her husband finds her, along with a sister she never knew she had.

From here the story unfolds. Alka Joshi weaves a story with superbly drawn main and minor characters, and settings so lifelike that you can feel the humidity, smell the herbs they cook with, and hear the sounds of the streets of Jaipur. It takes skill to immerse a reader in a country so different to their own, but Alka Joshi does just that.

I was utterly engrossed in this beautiful tale of family, hope, revenge and second chances. The caste system, the history of henna, the role of women in 1950's society, and the healing power of the local herbs and plants are just some of the topics explored through the book.

The Henna Artist feels both immersive and informative, and I highly recommend it.

If you enjoy historical fiction or want to travel somewhere while we're all stuck at home, you'll love The Henna Artist.