{"product_id":"the-henna-artist-9781432885069","title":"The Henna Artist","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman's struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, \u003cem\u003eThe Henna Artist \u003c\/em\u003eopens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEscaping 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...\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnown 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEloquent and moving...Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love. -Publishers Weekly\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eJoshi, Alka:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003eAlka Joshi was born in India and raised in the U.S. since the age of nine. She has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts and runs an advertising and marketing agency. She has lived in France and Italy and currently lives in Pacific Grove, California, with her husband. \u003ci\u003eThe Henna Artist\u003c\/i\u003e is her first novel.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Large Print Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50671496560914,"sku":"9781432885069","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_a343a0ad-ad7a-470b-a680-617e6db9af57.jpg?v=1733802590","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-henna-artist-9781432885069","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}