What does the novel tell you about the role of the henna artist in Indian culture? Did the description of any of Lakshmi's henna applications particularly appeal to you?

What does the novel tell you about the role of the henna artist in Indian culture in general and in wedding traditions in particular? What does the henna itself symbolize? Did the description of any of Lakshmi's henna applications particularly appeal to you?

It's clear that the talent required to be an exceptional and creative henna artist was valued. Lakshmi's were complex and unique, so she was accepted by upper class Indian women and treated and paid well. I gather that the use of henna art for weddings was important in making brides feel attractive and desirable and in turning on husbands. Still, the artist, even the good ones, were considered lower in caste because they were required to touch feet, a lower, dirty body part.

I knew virtually nothing about henna art and was so intrigued, I spent hours online looking at the beautiful examples. The descriptions of the henna sessions was so enticing, it made me want to experience them as well. There is something mystical about these sessions and the way they help women celebrate important milestones.

The descriptions of her work and her unique designs were fascinating. I loved how she buried names and pictures within these designs. As talented and discreet as she was, she was rarely valued for more than a “manicurist”. I was so happy that she ended up being valued for her many skills.

I also had to go online and look at all the information on henna designs. Lakshmi's cleverness in creating a design specifically for the person/desire required was amazing. I knew about the tradition but never really thought about the artist before.

I had always thought that the henna designs were used only for weddings. It sounds like something well to do women also enjoy much like having a facial or other spa treatment done in your home.i think it would be something I would love to try.

I enjoyed reading about the cultural and historical relevance if the henna artist. I was more intrigued by the description of the emotional and tactile experience of henna application than with the actual henna pattern.

I found that part of the book fascinating. I had no idea that there was so much artistry involved in henna.

I found Lakshmi's art form fascinating and her applications of it to her client's needs and ambitions, even more so. I have seen some examples of henna artistry, but I had no idea of the meanings and implications of the designs and figures when applied to the body parts of the clients. I had the impression that Lakshmi was very knowledgeable about the henna applications and the situations they were called upon to remedy...but did not really believe in them herself to the greater extent.

I loved how Lakshmi made the henna designs personal to the individual and how often they were playful.
She was definitely artistic!

I did not know anything about the Henna. It was interesting to learn it was applied for many different occasions. Lakshmi was very talented in the art.

I knew henna designs were an important part of weddings but I didn’t realize all the other occasions henna designs were applied. Lakshmi was a very skilled artist. The descriptions of her designs provided a beautiful picture for the reader. Lakshmi also provided comfort and advice to her clients. However those relationships were dependent on never challenging or upsetting her clients. Even with all her skills she was still expendable based on the whims of the upper caste clients she served.

I thought the descriptions of Lakshimi's henna creations were fascinating. It was probably the strongest reason I wanted to read this book - to learn about this craft which is so foreign to me. This was covered so well in the book, i was not disappointed.

I have several Indian friends, so the importance of henna and the art behind it was not new to me. I appreciated the descriptions of the art and the reasons why certain items were incorporated in the designs I would have liked to have seen the designs used to decorate the pages, chapter headings or end papers. (But that probable would have the book much more expensive :( .

My daughters best friend married and Indian and they had henna drawn on them when they were in the wedding. It was so beautiful and I was envious! The designs are so intricate and have so much meaning. The henna artist is truly someone who exhibits so much artistry and patience ...very important in the Indian culture.