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  • The Henna Artist

  • Written by: Alka Joshi
  • Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
  • Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,332 ratings)

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The Henna Artist

Written by: Alka Joshi
Narrated by: Sneha Mathan
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Publisher's Summary

A New York Times Best Seller

A Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick

"Captivated me from the first chapter to the final page." (Reese Witherspoon)

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.

Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist - and confidante - to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own....

Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow - a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does.

“Eloquent and moving…Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love.” (Publishers Weekly)

Look for The Secret Keeper of Jaipur from New York Times best-selling author Alka Joshi!

©2020 Alka Joshi (P)2020 HarperAudio
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What listeners say about The Henna Artist

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
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So memorable

I read a lot and I frequently forget some of the books unless I look at them. This is one book I won’t soon forget. I really enjoyed learning about what a henna artist does and more about the Indian culture.
The fact that the book is set in 1955-56 also made it more interesting to me.

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amazing... page Turner

I couldn't stop listening...my mouth waters for chai and Indian food... loved the story of the era and this woman's strength

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Breathtakingly beautiful

The Henna Artist is like a sweet treat after wonderful meal. I got lost in the simplicity and beauty up prose and incredible skill of the woman who read the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to be rejuvenated or is looking to abandon their current reality for a sort time

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    4 out of 5 stars

Great story and plot

Excellent story, lots of suspense and drama. The self-blame if the main character became tiresome about halfway through, and the younger sister character could have been better developed. But overall and very enjoyable story

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful story

I found out about this book from Reese's Book Club. I really enjoyed it and the reading of it. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be taken to old India after independence from Britain.

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Very engaging! It was hard to stop listening.

I really enjoyed this book and the narration. Highly recommend if you are looking for a book about a woman overcoming obstacles.

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Henna Artist

Really enjoyed listening to this story. Made you feel as if you were in India. Wonderful narration.

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Writing with tears in my eyes

Loved the book. So well written. Captures so many emotions and explores so many relationships. Malik with his confidence, Radha with her reading and Lakshmi with her pragmatism - this turned out to be such a beautiful family. We Indians do love a happy ending :)

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Wonderful!!!

Wonderful tale, wonderful performance!! Exquisite journey through India’s history. A must read for history buffs and lovers of a great story!!

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More please!

I loved this story and the beautiful narrator. Is there more by this author!? I’m going to look right now!

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3 people found this helpful