"Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur."
Determined to never be dependent on a man again, Lakshmi transforms herself into the most highly requested henna artist in Jaipur. Known for her intricate designs and sage advice, she creates a life of independence and purpose, serving the wealthy women of the upper class while carefully guarding the secret of her past.
But when her husband from her arranged marriage tracks her down years later with her sister-in-law in tow—a girl Lakshmi barely knows—she must face the family she left behind and the choices that have defined her. As Lakshmi's carefully constructed world begins to unravel, she must decide what she's willing to sacrifice to protect the women she's come to love.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s India, this luminous debut novel is a celebration of female friendship, resilience, and the transformative power of art. Alka Joshi brings the bustling streets of Jaipur to vivid life in this richly textured story of a woman's journey to independence.
Condition: Very Good - minor shelf wear, pages clean and intact, binding tight
Format: Trade Paperback
Perfect for fans of historical fiction and stories of female empowerment!
