Henna Artist, The Check Availability

Fiction

A vivid portrait of one woman’s struggle in a society pivoting between traditional and modern. Escaping an abusive marriage, 17-year-old Lakshmi makes her way to vibrant 1950s Jaipur. She becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to upper class women. She is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow—a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly, the caution she carefully cultivated is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does. Published in 2020; 342 pages.

Includes 15 paperback copies and 1 book club guide prepared by WCPL.