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.
Malik, now twenty and finished his private school education, 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 the 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 has served him well. But it is only when Lakshmi, the real keeper of Jaipur’s secrets, intervenes that things truly right themselves.
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“Narrators Sneha Mathan, Aeiyan Kassam, and Deepa Samuel work together to create a rich listening experience…Mathan gives a strong performance as the proud, cautious rural wife and mother Nimmi…Kassam is a vivid and energetic Malik…Samuel’s portrayal of confident Lakshmi provides a contrast to Nimmi’s nascent assertiveness…Listeners will gladly immerse themselves in these radio-drama-style performances.”
— AudioFile
“[Her] magnificent writing gives voice to the too-often silenced while telling an engaging and powerful story.”
— Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling authorBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Alka Joshi is an author whose first novel, The Henna Artist, was a Reese’s Book Club Pick, longlisted for the Center For Fiction’s First Novel Prize, and a BookRiot Best Book of the Year and made the bestsellers list of the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Toronto Star, and the Globe and Mail.
Sneha Mathan is a voice actor and audiobook narrator. Her audiobook work has received several Earphones awards, and she is a three-time Audie Award finalist. She lives in Seattle.
Deepa Samuel is a voice artist and audiobook narrator.