Portobello Book Blog

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur is the second in the Jaipur Trilogy by Alka Joshi. I loved the first book in the trilogy, The Henna Artist, and I’m disappointed I haven’t been able to fit this one into my reading schedule just yet. However, as part of the #RandomThings blog tour I do have a copy of The Henna Artist to giveaway – more details of that below. First of all, what’s The Secret Keeper of Jaipur about?

From the back of the book

In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling.

It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their 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 favours 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. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies.

Sounds good doesn’t it? The Secret Keeper of Jaipur was published by Mira Books (an imprint of Harper Collins) in hardback and ebook on 24th June. You should be able to buy or order a copy from your usual book retailer or you’ll find buying options on the Harper Collins website here: The Secret Keeper of Jaipur

For your chance to win a paperback copy of The Henna Artist, click on the Rafflecopter link below. UK entries only and you must enter by midnight UK time on Wednesday 30th June. If you are the winner, I will need your address to pass onto the publisher who will dispatch your prize.

Click here for your chance to win

About The Henna Artist

Escaping from an arranged and abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone from her 1950s rural village to the vibrant pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the henna artist–and confidante–most in demand to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own.

Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow–a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those who surround her as she does.

Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.

About the Author

Alka Joshi is a graduate of Stanford University and received her MFA from the California College of the Arts. She has worked as an advertising copywriter, a marketing consultant and an illustrator. Alka was born in India, in the state of Rajasthan. Her family moved to the USA when she was nine, and she now lives on California’s Monterey Peninsula with her husband and two misbehaving pups. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur is her second novel.

Visit her website and blog at http://www.thehennartist.com