Discuss The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

May. 12, 2020
by thereser

In your opinion, could Lakshmi be considered an entrepreneur? Why or why not?

May. 12, 2020
by thereser

Overall, what do you think of The Henna Artist? (no plot spoilers in this thread please)

May. 12, 2020
by thereser

What did you think of Malik?

May. 07, 2020
by Elizabeth Marie

Could Lakshmi have found another way to escape her abusive marriage? What do you think of the choices she made to change her circumstances?

May. 07, 2020
by Elizabeth Marie

What do you think Lakshmi has ultimately learned about herself and about her place in the world by the end of the novel?

Apr. 30, 2020
by rosemarys

If you were to create a lullaby, what familial clues would you include to identify members of your circle?

Apr. 29, 2020
by evelyng

At one point early in the novel, Lakshmi is thinking about karma. Do you believe in karma? Why or why not?

Apr. 27, 2020
by evelyng

Why do you think Lakshmi feels a sense of relief when she finally leaves her life as a henna artist behind? Were you surprised when she decided to move on in the end?

Apr. 25, 2020
by beckys

Lakshmi's liaison

Apr. 25, 2020
by beckys

At one point, Lakshmi says that the one thing she hates most is sympathy. Why do you think that is? Is Lakshmi being too proud in this case?

Apr. 25, 2020
by beckys

Should Lakshmi have tried to make her marriage work the second time around? Why or why not?

Apr. 25, 2020
by beckys

What is your view on the role of natural medicine compared to conventional medicine. Is it possible for them to work together, or are they too different to find common ground?

Apr. 25, 2020
by beckys

Lakshmi is not ashamed of helping women obtain safe contraception believing she is protecting them. Could this be considered a radical point of view?

Apr. 25, 2020
by beckys

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?

Apr. 25, 2020
by beckys

When Radha enters Lakshmi's life, Lakshmi becomes responsible for raising her headstrong younger sister. Do her conflicts with Radha resonate with any of your experiences parenting teenagers?

Apr. 25, 2020
by beckys

Lakshmi and Malik are very close, even though she is Hindu and he is Muslim. What does this say about the relationship between these two religions?

Apr. 24, 2020
by beckyh

What does the novel show about the caste system in 1950s India and people's ability to navigate the rules and restrictions within it? Is this same caste system still in place today?

Apr. 23, 2020
by MaureenDowning

Business women, Friend, or Both?

Apr. 21, 2020
by pennyp

What is the function of the Prologue?

Apr. 19, 2020
by sbmohler

Indian proverbs are used throughout. Do these sayings resonate with you or remind you of proverbs from your own upbringing? Do any in particular stick out in your mind?

Apr. 17, 2020
by TaraM

Lakshmi is such a strong and multifaceted character. What makes her that way? What are three things a great protagonist needs to truly stand out?

Apr. 17, 2020
by djbshirley

What do you see as the basic similarities and differences between Lakshmi and the Maharanis she works for? Who has more freedom? Who has more advantages?

Apr. 14, 2020
by cindyb

Given what you know about India now, has the status of Indian women changed much since 1955, do you think? On what are you basing your assumptions?

Apr. 12, 2020
by dorothyh

What did you learn about life at that time of cultural shift in India's history? Did that realization change any of your assumptions about India?

Apr. 12, 2020
by dorothyh

We have migrated to a new forum for book club discussions, please join us for our latest discussions on the BookBrowse Community Forum.

The Henna Artist

Discuss The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Do you relate to Lakshmi?

In your opinion, could Lakshmi be considered an entrepreneur? Why or why not?

Overall, what do you think of The Henna Artist? (no plot spoilers in this thread please)

What did you think of Malik?

Could Lakshmi have found another way to escape her abusive marriage? What do you think of the choices she made to change her circumstances?

What do you think Lakshmi has ultimately learned about herself and about her place in the world by the end of the novel?

If you were to create a lullaby, what familial clues would you include to identify members of your circle?

At one point early in the novel, Lakshmi is thinking about karma. Do you believe in karma? Why or why not?

Why do you think Lakshmi feels a sense of relief when she finally leaves her life as a henna artist behind? Were you surprised when she decided to move on in the end?

Lakshmi's liaison

At one point, Lakshmi says that the one thing she hates most is sympathy. Why do you think that is? Is Lakshmi being too proud in this case?

Should Lakshmi have tried to make her marriage work the second time around? Why or why not?

What is your view on the role of natural medicine compared to conventional medicine. Is it possible for them to work together, or are they too different to find common ground?

Lakshmi is not ashamed of helping women obtain safe contraception believing she is protecting them. Could this be considered a radical point of view?

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?

When Radha enters Lakshmi's life, Lakshmi becomes responsible for raising her headstrong younger sister. Do her conflicts with Radha resonate with any of your experiences parenting teenagers?

Lakshmi and Malik are very close, even though she is Hindu and he is Muslim. What does this say about the relationship between these two religions?

What does the novel show about the caste system in 1950s India and people's ability to navigate the rules and restrictions within it? Is this same caste system still in place today?

Business women, Friend, or Both?

What is the function of the Prologue?

Indian proverbs are used throughout. Do these sayings resonate with you or remind you of proverbs from your own upbringing? Do any in particular stick out in your mind?

Lakshmi is such a strong and multifaceted character. What makes her that way? What are three things a great protagonist needs to truly stand out?

What do you see as the basic similarities and differences between Lakshmi and the Maharanis she works for? Who has more freedom? Who has more advantages?

Given what you know about India now, has the status of Indian women changed much since 1955, do you think? On what are you basing your assumptions?

What did you learn about life at that time of cultural shift in India's history? Did that realization change any of your assumptions about India?

Sorry, The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is closed for new posts.
Please go to bookbrowse.com/onlinebookclub for a full list of conversations.

We have migrated to a new forum for book club discussions, please join us for our latest discussions on the BookBrowse Community Forum.

Discuss The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Sorry, The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is closed for new posts.Please go to bookbrowse.com/onlinebookclub for a full list of conversations.

Sorry, The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is closed for new posts.
Please go to bookbrowse.com/onlinebookclub for a full list of conversations.