The HENNA ARTIST is a novel that takes place in India in the 1950s. Author Alka Joshi reveals the plight of women in India. No matter their social status, it seems they were all bound by invisible chains. Parents arranged marriages, often with no choice on the part of their daughters. Betrothals took place at a very young age. Once a young girl’s period started, she could start having babies.
A marriage was not only between a man and wife, but a joining of the two families. Families hoped to gain status and power through the marriage. The woman was expected to be totally devoted to her husband and his family. This included bearing children a.s.a.p. Especially sons.
Men, however, seemed to be free to have as many women as they wanted, often taking advantage of young girls who they would never marry. Once the girl became pregnant, she was an outcast from society and even her own family.
In The HENNA ARTIST, author Alka Joshi draws the reader into the life of a young woman who escapes an abusive marriage and uses her skills as a henna artist and herbalist to make her way in life. Through her business, she meets women in all classes of society. Then, suddenly, her younger sister comes on the scene.
The book is cleverly written to reveal the way life was for women in all walks of life. I wonder how much has changed now, in 2025.
The HENNA ARTIST is available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+henna+artist&i=stripbooks&crid=1LXLN1EN7ZX95&sprefix=The+Henna%2Cstripbooks%2C197&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_1_9.
