I finally read it, and I'm so happy that the second book has already been published so that I can move on to the next book. I appreciated the resource guide at the back of the book to explain some of the terminology for me. I must admit I read the copy I had on the kindle even though I also had a paper copy which was so convenient for looking up words. The story of Lakmi and her sister Rahdu was well written and interesting. I enjoyed the way we learnt about different characters and we continued further along in the story, our viewpoints as the reader and perspectives on some of the characters were challenged and redefined as we went through to the end of the book, I loved that. Can't wait to read the second book.

The Henna Artis was my favourite book of 2020. I truly felt transported to another time and place and could not put this book down. I loved the complex topics explored and the focus on how women used their power in a time when they were often seemingly powerless.

Lakshmi is a powerful character that will easily become someone you want to root for. I think everyone will enjoy The Henna Artis and I cannot wait to read more from this author.

I'm still suffering from a serious book crush weeks after finishing this beauty! I picked up this book right when it came out but it got lost amongst my tbr. I decided to pick it for both of my book clubs and I'm so glad I did! I loved the authors style of writing and the fact that the main character is actually based off her own mothers life.
Lakshmi has escaped an abusive marriage and for that she has been shunned from her family. Leaving your marriage is forbidden and brings shame to your family. Lakshmi is the bad luck girl and no one wants to be around her until a kind man steps in and helps her get customers for her Henna and healing talents. Once she starts proving her abilities more woman want her to do their Henna, and buy her tinctures for whatever is ailing them. Working hard and living a modest life has allowed her to build her own home. Finally something she has that's hers and she can be proud of. When her husband shows up demanding money and drops off a sister she never knew she had everything will change. Finally she has family and someone who loves her, but with her sister comes new issues that will cost her the precious customers she has built along with her reputation.
The characters are vibrant and with so much personality I was sad to see the book end, but then excited to learn her second book will be out this year!

Can I just say how blown away I was by the detail in the writing? I received this title from attending a Girly Book Club virtual event, and could not wait to get the chance to listen to the author talk about this title after hearing rave reviews and lots of chatter about this incredible book, and then read it with the #diversebuddyreads club on bookstagram.

I found the book fascinating, and loved being totally immersed in a culture I knew nothing about until reading this. I was so interested in the story behind this artist and her work, but the culture of women, everywhere, from all classes of life. Traveling to dreamy faraway places within a book like this one, with captivating, well-written characters is exactly why I read.