The Henna Artist

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Reflect on the language and diction of the book. Do you think it offers you enough of a glimpse into the attitudes and culture of Indian society? What are some phrases or passages that do this for you?
• What was your initial impression of Hari, Lakshmi’s husband? Did you believe him capable of change when you first encountered him? Did you find his character arc realistic or relatable? Why or why not?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• The novel is set in India in the 1950s, and the historical and sociocultural aspects of this context deeply influence the storytelling. Were you able to connect with the events and characters in the book despite (or, perhaps, because) of this context? Which parts spoke to you the most?
• The conflict between traditional Indian and Western ideas in the book is essentially a conflict between collectivist and individualist cultures. Reflect on the culture that you belong to or most connect with; is it individualist or collectivist in nature? What benefits and drawbacks do you see in this?
• Gossip is an integral part of the story, both narratively and thematically. How do you view gossip? Is it something harmless that is alright to indulge in from time to time, or do you believe it is to be avoided at all costs? Is your stance based on personal experiences?
• Lakshmi and Radha’s relationship is a complex one, changing and evolving throughout the book. Based on your own experiences, lived or observed, do you view Lakshmi and Radha’s relationship? Does it represent a typical sibling dynamic, or is it an exceptional one?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Alka Joshi is an Indian American writer who was born in India but has lived in the United States since she was nine; this story was inspired by her mother. How do you see Joshi’s cross-cultural upbringing reflected in the narrative of The Henna Artist? Do see her perpetuating or subverting common tropes that exist about South Asian men and women?
• The struggle of a fledgling India, newly free of British colonial rule and attempting to establish a national identity for itself, is encapsulated in the book through the conflict between traditional Indian and Western values. Are traditional and Western values still locked in a struggle in contemporary Indian society? What is the consolidated identity the nation projects to the world?
• The social elite in Jaipur embrace Western tastes and sensibilities while retaining attitudes shaped by the Hindu religion. Examine how this seemingly contradictory set of values and behaviors helps this class of Indian society protect and maintain its privilege and power.

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does Lakshmi’s character and all the contradictions she presents embody the conflict between autonomy and conformity that women face?
• Traditional Indian society embraces patriarchal values and attitudes. How do both men and women contribute to the perpetuation of the patriarchy in the Indian context, as explored in the novel? How does this intertwine with other aspects of the social hierarchy, such as class and caste?
• Both Lakshmi and Radha assert their autonomy by making choices about motherhood: Lakshmi chooses contraceptives to prevent carrying Hari’s children, while Radha ultimately decides to give her child up for adoption. Does the novel ultimately suggest that these choices truly reflect independence? How do social norms, expectations, and potential stigma play into the decisions that each of the women make about motherhood? 
• Lakshmi makes a living by plying two trades: painting henna designs and creating and prescribing herbal treatments for clients. Comment on Joshi’s choice of trades. What larger themes within the book does this speak to?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Before reading The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, predict the twists and turns that Lakshmi’s story will take in this sequel. Which ones were you able to foretell? Which ones did you miss, and which ones are missing that you wish to see explored?
• Food occupies an important role in Indian society and is used at key moments in the text. Reflect on the function of the specific dishes mentioned in the book. If you had to rewrite these sections in the context of your own culture, which dishes from your culture would you substitute, and why?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.