Book Club Guide: The Henna Artist
The Henna Artist is one of those books that has A LOT in it, so it’s a great choice for a book club discussion and our book club guide offers discussion questions and other ideas to make your meeting special. With beautiful India as its setting, it also lends itself well to making your meeting a unique event with more than just talking about a book (though that’s always fun, too). Find out more about why we liked this book so much in our book review of The Henna Artist.
One note: There are some sensitive subjects in the book (spousal abuse, abortion, marital affairs, young pregnancy), so know the triggers for members of your group before selecting it.
Suggested The Henna Artist book club questions:
- What did you know about henna before this book? Has your opinion of henna artists changed?
- The caste system plays a big role in Indian society and it is alluded to several times in the book. Are there benefits to a caste system?
- What are the similarities and differences between Lakshmi and the women she serves in Jaipur? What about between Lakshmi and the courtesans she served in Agra? Who has more freedoms and who has more advantages?
- What did you think of the sachets Lakshmi provided women? Was she truly helping them or just the men who used them?
- What does Malik bring to the story? Why do you think he and Lakshmi were so close?
- What did you think of Lakshmi’s relationship with Samir? Would you define it as a friendship?
- Radha is a powerful force that completely changes Lakshmi’s life–what do you think of their relationship?
- What did you think of the character of Hari, Lakshmi’s estranged husband? Is it possible for someone to change? Should Lakshmi have treated him differently?
- What are your thoughts on Lakshmi’s choices throughout the book? Her choice to leave her marriage, her choice to have an intimate relationship with Samir, her choice to ultimately leave Jaipur behind?
- What are your thoughts on natural medicine versus conventional medicine? Do you have a preference? Is there room for both in today’s world?
Other suggestions for your discussion:
- Depending on where you live, it might be difficult, but it would be really unique: Hire a henna artist!
- Watch this ten-minute Henna Documentary and discuss.
- Make Malik’s Batti Balls or the Royal Rabri from the recipes at the end of the book.
- Order in Indian food or go to an Indian restaurant.
- Get a mandala coloring book and have everyone color a mandala to take home.
- Research some of the Eastern healing properties of tea and brew a special blend for your club members.
- Get other ideas (including a menu recommended by the author herself!) from The Book Club Cookbook.
