the henna artist

By: Alka Joshi

A beautiful, cozy, and rich read that I was always eager to jump back into.

Lakshmi fled an abusive marriage and is starting to see her henna business flourish in noble society when the sister she never knew she had shows up at her door.

• Set in 1950s Rajasthan, shortly after India gained its independance from the British

• Strong themes of sisterhood, overcoming adversity, and adapting to change.

• Skillfully incorporates insights on caste, class, Indian diaspora, and gender inequality