The Henna Artist Calmate based on the extant primary

based on the extant primary sources of his life and on interviews with those who knew him personally

Forward by Cornel West

the story of Aethon

“Winner of a Whiting Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship

a letter from the author to her younger self

The Henna Artist Calmate based on the extant primaryEscaping from an arranged and abusive marriage, seventeen year old Lakshmi steals away 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 upper caste. Trusted with the secrets of the elite, 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