Published: 2020
Author: Alka Joshi
Genres: Historical Fiction, Cultural Fiction
Audience: Grades 11–12, Adult
Number of Stars: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: The Henna Artist
Content Warnings: Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; sexism; abortion; teen pregnancy; and domestic violence.
Publisher’s Summary
Escaping an abusive marriage at age seventeen, Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant “Pink City” of Jaipur in the 1950s. There, she reinvents herself as the most highly requested henna artist and confidante to the wealthy women of the upper class. Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi balances on a tightrope of secrets—both her clients’ and her own.
As she nears her dream of total independence and building her own home, her past catches up to her. Her husband tracks her down, bringing with him a high-spirited thirteen-year-old sister Lakshmi never knew existed. Suddenly, the carefully cultivated life Lakshmi has built is threatened by family duty, jealous gossips, and the rigid social structures of a newly independent India.
Full Review
The Henna Artist is a lush, evocative journey through womanhood and self-discovery in 1950s India. Set just after the end of nearly 90 years of British rule, the novel perfectly captures a society in transition. Lakshmi Shastri is a powerhouse of a protagonist—independent, self-reliant, and incredibly talented. She has built a successful business in a society that heavily favors men, providing her elite clients not only with beautiful henna designs but also with herbal remedies for beauty, health, and family planning.
The arrival of her sister, Radha, adds a layer of complex familial responsibility. Watching Lakshmi navigate Radha’s pregnancy—caused by the charming but predatory Ravi Singh—highlights the devastating stakes for women in this era. One “mistake” could turn a woman into a social outcast instantly.
The themes of female empowerment, societal pressure, and forgiveness are handled with great care. While the book contains no internal illustrations, the vivid descriptions of Jaipur’s architecture and traditional clothing bring the setting to life. This is an excellent choice for upperclassmen; the cultural connections and the gripping narrative of a woman fighting for her own agency will undoubtedly resonate with students.
🏛️ Jaipur: The “Pink City” in the 1950s
The setting of Jaipur is crucial to the story. Known for its distinct terracotta-colored architecture, the city represents both the grandeur of India’s royal past and the uncertainty of its post-independence future.
- Post-Colonial Identity: Following the 1947 Independence, India was soul-searching. Lakshmi’s struggle for independence mirrors the nation’s own journey to define itself outside of British influence.
- Caste and Class: The novel explores the rigid hierarchies that remained even after the British left, showing how Lakshmi must navigate the “elite” circles while technically remaining an outsider.
- Architecture: The “arches” mentioned on the book cover refer to the Rajput architecture style, characterized by ornate jali (lattice) screens and grand courtyards, which provided privacy for upper-class women.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
-
World History (Decolonization): Study India in the years following 1947.
Activity Idea: Research the Partition of India. How did the sudden departure of the British impact the social and economic status of women like Lakshmi?
-
ELA (The Heroine’s Journey): Analyze Lakshmi’s path from an escaped child bride to a successful entrepreneur.
Activity Idea: Contrast Lakshmi’s definition of “independence” at the beginning of the book vs. the end. How does her relationship with Radha change her goals?
-
Health & Sociology (Women’s Rights): Explore the history of reproductive rights and domestic roles in mid-century South Asia.
Activity Idea: Discuss the “double standard” applied to Ravi Singh vs. Radha. How does the book address the concept of “reputation” as a form of currency for women?
-
Art & Culture (Traditional Crafts): > Activity Idea: Invite a local henna artist to demonstrate the craft, or have students practice drawing traditional patterns on paper. Discuss the role of “confidantes” in spaces like salons or henna circles—why do these female-only spaces matter?
