Description
Follow up to The Henna Artist.
In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur palace in a tale rich in character, atmosphere, intrigue and lavish storytelling.
It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, is working at the Shimla community clinic. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young tribal woman, Nimmi, when he leaves to begin an apprenticeship at the palace facilities in Jaipur. The royals’ latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema.
Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur’s royal palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema’s balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a young street urchin, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that still serves him well. But it is only when Lakshmi, the real keeper of Jaipur’s secrets, intervenes that things can truly right themselves.
About the author: Alka Joshi was born in the desert state of Rajasthan in India. In 1967, her family immigrated to America. She earned a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts in San Francisco. Prior to writing The Henna Artist, Alka ran an advertising and marketing agency for 30 years. She has spent time in France and Italy and currently lives with her husband on the Northern California Coast.
Note: please be aware this book is printed in the USA and the initial print run has a deckle edge (roughly cut, not smoothly cut). The book is not damaged or faulty, although it can give the impression of being so. In early book manufacturing volumes were issued with uncut and uneven edges. This is a modern attempt to reproduce that look. It also folds over at front and back suggestive of a dust jacket (aka: French fold). This is also an attempt at sprucing up an edition especially if it is not being printed in hard cover first. Most readers find it best to only turn pages from the top.
