The Secret Keeper of Jaipur - by Alka Joshi (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE HENNA ARTIST, A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK

"Captivated me from the first chapter to the last page." --Reese Witherspoon on The Henna Artist

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 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. 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.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR THE SECRET KEEPER OF JAIPUR

"With its beautifully complex cast of characters, THE SECRET KEEPER OF JAIPUR plunges readers back into the sumptuous world of THE HENNA ARTIST, where power, money, and secrets abound -- and where carefully cultivated reputations balance on the knife edge of influence."--Bryn Turnbull, bestselling author of The Woman Before Wallis

"In this timeless tale of loyalty, ambition, and love, Joshi explores what it means to create and build--from architectural marvels to chosen families--in a way that not only endures but inspires."-- Nancy Jooyoun Kim, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Story of Mina Lee

PRAISE FOR ALKA JOSHI'S THE HENNA ARTIST

A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK

New York Times Bestseller * Los Angeles Times Bestseller * USA Today Bestseller * Toronto Star Bestseller * Globe & Mail Bestseller * Indie Bookstores Bestseller *Longlisted: First Novel, Center for Fiction * Amazon Summer 2020 Readers Pick * Goodreads Finalist Choice Awards 2020: Best Debut Novel & Best Historical Fiction * Indigo 10 Best Books of 2020 * Cosmopolitan Best Audiobooks of 2020 * BookRiot Best Books of 2020

"Captivated me from the first chapter to the last page."
--Reese Witherspoon

"Romantic, old-time Rajasthan leaps to life... I can hardly wait for Alka Joshi's next masterpiece." --Sujata Massey, internationally bestselling author of The Widows of Malabar Hill

"Rich in detail and bright with tastes and textures, . ..a fabulous glimpse into Indian culture of the 1950s."--Bookpage, Starred Review

"Eloquent debut...moving... Joshi masterfully balances a yearning for self-discovery with the need for familial love." -Publishers Weekly

"Joshi has constructed a bewitching glimpse into the past with a tough heroine well worth cheering on."--Booklist

"Vibrant characters, evocative imagery, and sumptuous prose create an unforgetable tale."--Christian Science Monitor

"A bold, ambitious, beautifully written novel about India in the decade after independence, and about class, identity, love and deceit. The broad cast of characters will etch themselves into your psyche." --Tom Barbash, author of Stay Up With Me

"Fantastic, so evocative and beautiful and full of life and light.... and deeply satisfying in its storytelling."--Leah Franqui, author of America for Beginners

"Unforgettable.... Read this book slowly and savor it: Every page is rich with intricate pleasures for both the mind and the heart."--Anita Amirrezvani, author of The Blood of Flowers

"Like a brilliant, magical kaleidoscope, bursting with color, The Henna Artist kept me riveted from start to finish."--Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author of After the Fire and City of Light

"Like a brilliant, magical kaleidoscope, bursting with color, The Henna Artist kept me riveted from start to finish."--Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author of City of Light

"Everything a great novel needs is here: The protagonist balancing impossible burdens with her bountiful talents; the many other characters, each so colorful and complex, each necessary to the intricate and delicate plot, Such a satisfying novel!"--Sandra Scofield, author of The Last Draft

"A richly drawn design of love and the many hungers that drive human beings...a lush, gorgeous journey that any reader will be sorry to see end."--Erin McGraw, author of The Good Life and The Seamstress of Hollywood