The Henna Artist is a beautifully realized and evocative novel set in mid-century India after independence.

The heroine, Lakshmi, flees her small village, and an abusive marriage to create a new life for herself in the larger city of Jaipur. A henna artist, healer, and cunning businesswoman, she finds her first clients among Jaipur's prostitutes. Just as she begins to gain success and make her reputation in the houses of the wealthier, and more discerning, Jaipur women, her plans are interrupted by the arrival in Jaipur of the husband she abandoned, and a younger sister that she didn't know she had.

I loved reading about this time in India's long history, the energy and excitement of a newly-independent nation, and the range of characters - from prostitutes to Maharanis to Lakshmi's young assistant, Malik, to a singularly charming talking parrot, Madho Singh.

Joshi has an understanding, and connection, to this place and period of history, and her depth of knowledge, skillful plotting and period descriptions make this novel an engaging and enthralling read.