Alexandria Book Club — “The Henna Artist” by Alka Joshi

Thursday, September 16, 2021
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

About the Book

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

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.

About the author

Alka Joshi was born in the desert state of Rajasthan in India. In 1967, her family immigrated to America. She earned a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts in San Francisco. Prior to writing The Henna Artist, Alka ran an advertising and marketing agency for 30 years.

About the event

All state and federal COVID-19 mandates will be followed.

If Campbell County is RED on the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s COVID-19 Dashboard, everyone, age 6 or older, who attends library programs are required to wear masks.

Please note any accommodation requests in the Special Needs section of the registration form.

Zoom accommodation is available. To attend via Zoom or if you have any other questions, please contact Carrie Ratterman at cratterman@cc-pl.org

Alexandria Branch