This was a hard book for me to read. The life of Lakshmi Shastri was so much harder, but well paid. In order for her to keep body and soul together and her intention to own her own house, she worked her well paid magic in intricate henna designs on the hands and feet of the wealthy and powerful in Jaipur, India. Set in India from November, 1955 - November, 1956, when India was still in the grip of an age-old caste system and post colonial era, Lakshmi Shastri, a single woman with no family, had to finesse her way into this society. She was introduced to her clientele through the questionable good graces of the charming Samir Singh; his wife Parvati one of her first clients. He purchased from her sachets of cotton root so his many mistresses would be free of any unwanted burdens. She kept his secrets only so she could keep moving towards her goals. Lakshmi’s character did not seem to be a malicious person, just a woman who had run away from an abusive husband and, because of the shame to her family she left her home and had only to survive. A single woman alone in a culture that did not approve.
Lakshmi’s story revealed the many layers in India due, cultural norms and rules, long standing caste systems and the recent post colonization of the British. Alka Joshi spun this story slowly and clearly, each step of the anxiety that Lakshmi lived was detailed as beautifully as she painted her henna designs. Malik, Lakshmi’s protector, a child of about eight or nine when she found him on the streets was hired to help her in her business. Although he was Muslim to her Buddhism, they became fast friends. He supported her when her anxiety escalated with the introduction of a sister that she did not know existed. Radha, 13 years old, was brought to Jaipur by Hari, the husband she had fled. This twist to the story created new layers of worry for Lakshmi. Head strong Radha, had had little parenting and resisted Lakshmi’s attempts at parenting: an out of wedlock pregnancy ensued, a royal adoption proposed. All Lakshmi’s plans and relationships crumbled as easily as a castle of cards.
Themes that run loudly silent through this story are the oppression of the women of the culture, and the strength of women to survive despite their status: economic or societal. Pressure to bear male children, and yet pressure to abort any children if a pregnancy was inconvenient. Lakshmi’s story revolves around these themes. Despite these difficulties, The Henna Artist had quite a satisfactory ending. The tension that author, Alka Joshi had built, was eased slowly and gently much to my relief.
“When the Goddess of Wealth comes to give you her blessing,
you shouldn’t leave the room to wash your face.”
~ Hindu Proverb (front page of The Henna Artist)
Title: The Henna Artist
Author: Alka Joshi
Copyright: 2020
Publisher: Mira Publishing - This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
Type: Novel
Format: Soft cover
ISBN - 978-0-7783-1020-4
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