Play Book Tag discussion

Set twelve years after the events of "The Henna Artist", the second book of the trilogy follows three protagonists. We see Lakshmi once again, a young tribal widow named Nimmi, and Malik, now twenty years old, who was only a child in the first book.

Joshi lets her readers know early in the novel that the Royal Jewel Cinema, the palace’s grand construction project in Jaipur, collapses during the glamorous opening night, killing and injuring dozens of moviegoers. Lakshmi had sent Malik to Jaipir to learn the architecture and construction business from Manu Argwhal. After the collapse Malik uncovers discrepancies in materials receipts that he finds odd and reports it to his immediate supervisor, but nothing ever comes of it. When the tragedy is blamed on Manu, Lakshmi goes to Jaipur to comfort her friend, and a central story of the novel begins: Who is actually to blame for the faulty construction?

The untangling of this mystery takes the reader through the worlds of Indian gold smuggling, the basics of brick-and-mortar construction, and even a little sheep shearing.

Lakshmi is a wonderful example of a strong, independent, resilient woman. I was so happy that The Secret Keeper of Jaipur didn’t shift its focus completely away from her, even if it picks up many years later and integrates other characters and storylines.

As always, Joshi's writing is well researched and very atmospheric. While it's not necessary to read "The Henna Artist" first, you will enjoy this novel more if you do. I'm anxiously looking forward to the conclusion of the trilogy, The Perfumist of Paris and hope to read it soon.

My book club read all three! Loved how the storylines grew, weaved, and entwined.