HENNA ARTIST (The Jaipur Trilogy #1)
Author: Alka Joshi
Genre: Historical Fiction
Moods: Hopeful
Pace: Medium
Overview:
Henna Artist" is the first book in The Complete Jaipur Trilogy by Alka Joshi. In her debut novel, Joshi brings to life post-independence India of the 1950s, immersing readers in the vibrant atmosphere of Jaipur, the Pink City.
The story follows seventeen-year-old Lakshmi, who escapes an abusive marriage and carves out a new life for herself in Jaipur. There, she becomes the most sought-after henna artist and confidante to the upper-class women. Trusted with their secrets, Lakshmi must keep her own past hidden.
The narrative explores how Lakshmi’s perfectly planned life gets shattered by the unexpected turn of events and the hurdles she faces while she tries to overcome them.
Observation:
Joshi's writing is impeccable, with vivid and palpable characters that bring the story to life.
The scenes are richly atmospheric. The author has soaked in all the hues of the pink city to illustrate a beautiful portrait with it.
The book conveys an important message by discussing on the troubles a single woman faces and the price she has to pay for the choices she makes. However, the predictable storyline left me somewhat underwhelmed.
Despite my dissatisfaction, I am not ready to dismiss the trilogy and look forward to the next installment, hoping for a more complex and engaging narrative.
My Rating: 3.5/5
*****
THE SECRET KEEPER OF JAIPUR (The Jaipur Trilogy #2)
Overview:
It's the spring of 1969 and Lakshmi is now married to Dr. Kumar in Shimla and directs a healing garden. Abbas Malik did his schooling from Bishop Cotton house and now a young man who is working on Cinema Theatre project in Jaipur.
Disaster strikes when the cinema collapses on it's inaugural day and the blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth.
Observation:
Same as the first instalment, writing here is vivid and picturesque. However, the storyline remains weak.
I had hoped this book would address the flaws of 'The Henna Artist,' but the latter proved to be a better work.
Additionally, in an effort to make this book a standalone, many episodes from the first book are repeated, which felt redundant and exasperating.
Despite these issues, Alka Joshi's enchanting writing style compels me to continue with the trilogy.
At this stage, I am ready to believe that there is a little pixie dust sprinkled all over this author's writing that we get entrapped in her prose and gets consumed by whole even without an interesting storyline.
Will I read the next book? Yes!
Am I expecting an engaging storyline? Unfortunately, no!!
My Rating: 3/5
*****
THE PERFUMIST OF PARIS (The Jaipur Trilogy #3)
Overview:
In 1974 Paris, Radha lives with her husband Pierre and their daughters.
Despite still mourning the son she gave up as a young girl, Radha finds fulfillment in motherhood and her career in perfumery.
Working for a master perfumer, she designs new fragrances and navigates challenges, though her husband struggles to support her career ambitions.
When Radha travels to India for a significant project, seeking her sister's help and drawing inspiration from courtesans, her world is shaken by news that her long-lost son is coming to Paris, endangering her marriage and stability.
My Experience:
I found this book to be disappointing and felt it should have concluded with the second part of the trilogy.
The final installment is centered on Radha, who despite the author's efforts to deepen her character, remains the least engaging protagonist of the series.
Despite being 32 and achieving various milestones, Radha’s behavior still reflects a level of immaturity and pugnaciousness that has been consistent throughout.
Radha’s passion for fragrances was not explored in the first book, especially when it turns out as a major part of who she is in the final one. So her obsession with fragrance in the later part of life didn’t sit well with me.
The author’s affinity towards detailing the Indian food and describing the fragrance notes made me nauseous here.
Half of the book is gratuitous and poorly executed. However, the story reaches a full circle towards the end after the initial meanderings.
My Rating: 2.5/5
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Major Themes Covered in the Trilogy:
- Women empowerment
- Relevance of education
- Importance of financial independence and self-sustainability
- Family & Friends - Its the family you choose that counts.
- Equal job opportunities for all castes -creed- gender
- Empowering sex workers through social enterprises
*****