Our Books
Explore the stories that have shaped our sisterhood. From timeless classics to bold contemporary reads,
every book we choose sparks connection, conversation, and growth.
Our reading Journey
Book of the month
Synopsis
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1950s Jaipur, The Henna Artist follows the journey of Lakshmi, a fiercely independent woman who escapes an abusive marriage to build a new life as a highly sought-after henna artist for the city’s elite. Graceful and wise, Lakshmi moves through the inner circles of India’s wealthy class, armed not just with her artistic skill but also with deep herbal knowledge and a quiet resolve.
Her carefully crafted world begins to shift when secrets from her past resurface—along with a younger sister she never knew she had. As Lakshmi navigates the balance between tradition, independence, and the expectations of society, she is forced to confront the price of freedom and the bonds that shape our identities.
A rich tapestry of culture, resilience, and feminine strength, The Henna Artist is a captivating story of self-reinvention, healing, and the complex roles women are asked to play—in their homes, in their communities, and in their hearts.
Key Discussion
Lakshmi’s Journey
We explored her past choices and how they shaped her present circumstances and future decisions. Was Lakshmi selfish, or were her actions rooted in self-preservation?
Family Dynamics:
Lakshmi’s conflicts with her headstrong younger sister, Radha, sparked parallels to parenting teenagers or kids in general in our own lives. Is Radha ungrateful and disloyal, or does her behavior reflect something deeper?
Malik’s Role:
A major topic of debate was Malik. His age seemed at odds with his actions, but his background and responsibilities might explain why he matured so quickly.
Henna in Indian Culture:
We reflected on the role of henna in Indian culture, noting the gender dynamics—women doing much of the work to please men—and questioned its implications.
Members Review
The Henna Artist Lakshmi’s expertise in natural health remedies plays a significant role in her life, so we began our virtual meeting by discussing our favorite herbs and teas. Some soothing combinations we enjoy include lemon and honey, or lemon, ginger, and honey. Another interesting blend—lemon, ginger, garlic, black pepper, and turmeric with honey—may help ward off sore throats. Adding bitter kola to the mix can potentially soothe coughs. Soursop tea, made from soursop leaves, might be beneficial for allergies. Another fascinating tea comes from the loquat plant, whose leaves and fruit (resembling the African star apple, also known as Udala or Agbalumo) have numerous health benefits. For detailed information on these herbs, we encourage doing your own research or consulting a doctor or herbalist if you follow such practices.
Members Ratings
Enlightening – Efe, 9.5/10
Some areas were hard to understand, but I loved Samir as the go-to guy – Michelle, 8.5/10
Courageous – Angele, 9.5/10
Independence: living life on her own terms – Jess, 9/10
Redemptive (e.g., Harry now helping women) – Dr. Sherlonda, 9/10
Hard to follow – Ronke, 7/10
Female Empowerment: strong, determined female lead – Foyin, 9/10
Loved it: strong female lead, deep dive into another culture, and a great period piece – Ije, 9.5/10
Visually and verbally rewarding. Enjoyed descriptive text – DeeDee, 8.5/10
Engaging and an eye-opener to Indian culture. – Enuma. 9/10