The Complete Jaipur Trilogy

The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, and The Perfumist of Paris

By: Alka Joshi

Narrated by: Sneha Mathan, Ariyan Kassam, Deepa Samuel

Length: 33 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

THE NEW YORK TIMES BETSELLING TRILOGY

"Captivated me from the first chapter to the final page."—Reese Witherspoon

"Powerful and evocative.” —Kate Quinn

The Henna Artist
A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK
Vivid and compelling, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel. Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own. Years later, she is confronted by her husband who has tracked her down 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.

The Secret Keeper of Jaipur
It’s the spring of 1969 and Lakshmi now directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik, her protégé, has finished his private school education, and at twenty, 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 power and money 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.

The Perfumist of Paris
Paris, 1974. Radha, Lakshmi's younger sister, is living in Paris with her husband and their two daughters, to whom she is devoted, when she finally discovers her passion—the treasure trove of scents. She has an exciting and challenging position working for a master perfumer, helping to design completely new fragrances for clients and building her career one scent at a time. She only wishes Pierre could understand her need to work. She feels his frustration, but she can’t give up this thing that drives her. Tasked with her first major project, Radha travels to India, where she enlists the help of her sister, Lakshmi, and the courtesans of Agra—women who use the power of fragrance to seduce, tease and entice. She’s on the cusp of a breakthrough when she finds out a secret she's kept from her husband for years is about to be revealed, upending her carefully managed world and threatening to destroy a vulnerable marriage.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Alka Joshi (P)2023 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

great stories

Very engaging characters and excellent narrators. The books are feel good and throught provoking

An fabulously expanding adventure !

Thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. It was well written and recorded. I loved learning about India & Paris! Great characters and development of each of them. And thank you for bundling it all together for one credit! Brilliant… more of these please!

Jaipur Trilogy

Brilliantly atmospheric. I felt I was back in Jaipur and Simla. I would highly recommend.

Excellent Read

I hit the submit button too soon!! I got the first book covered for the most part. The second book was also a view into the lives of the Indian people in a different area of the country - that of the lives of the hill people. More that was so very interesting to learn. The traditions that are practiced and held by so many of the people there. I wonder sometimes how it is that we tend to think how backward some countries are without realizing that we have many of the same problems. There are still pockets of this country that have a problem with children who are Living in utter poverty in the streets, some with no education, unfortunates that have run from or been left to survive on their own by parents who are either unwilling or unable to take care of them. And some who are still suspicious of “new-dangled” medicines or technology. These kids are no better off than some of those the author depicts in this story. But stringing throughout all of the books is the caring and generosity of those few who will donate their time to help those who are in need. And the theme that strings through all three books - that need to be forgiving, to observe the customs of those where you live, of “counting to ten” before one opens their mouth, and all those human emotions that cause us so much heartache and misunderstanding and the need to be able to put the past behind and live in the present, look to the future, and pursue a dream. I will admit that in the third book I did get a bit put off by all the back and forth and questioning of actions and thoughts by Rava. But, then, I do need to remember that she is still young and trying to figure out how to manage her own self in society. At my age, one is more able to look back and be more tolerant of yourself and those around you, and understand that we are all human. Our lives are being molded each and every day. And when young, understanding and learning that not everything is fair and equal is a hard lesson to learn. The “why”s are hard to accept, even when we are in our sunset years. The characters were brilliantly presented. I feel close to them and can relate to the feelings they have as they move through life’s journey. The narrators did a wonderful job. The narrator of the first book has such a beautiful and soothing voice. I could listen to her all day. All of them presented the characters as I have observed in my acquaintances from India. I believe this is a book for everyone, men and women. It offers a person the chance to think about how little has really changed in the human condition worldwide. It is a beautiful writing. It is a sad story in some cases, but here the characters are allowed to overcome and continue with a better understanding of our lives.

Great listen & gives a peek into Indian culture

I really enjoyed this trilogy. Great character development over the course of several decades. One of my favorite elements in this series was the exposure to a piece of Indian culture. Interesting dramatic themes that tie back through the three books. I highly recommend this series.

Evocative and beautifully crafted

The scenery, customs, history, culture, colors, snd scents are quite uniquely painted by the artistic hand of this writer. The books are so beautifully crafted that they take the reader into the story like an insider revisiting home after many years away. Loved each book and cannot wait to visit India.

Trip to India

Loved the whole thing, the story was so interesting, I learned a lot and the characters became like friends.

Great trilogy!

Did not want this series to end. Great story development. Great presentation. Great historical fiction.

Radha is a spoiled entitled brat

Each book was wonderful and you should not waste a moment listening to them now please and thank you!

The Perfumist of Paris

My favorite was The Henna Artist and the character of Lakshmi. I did not appreciate the French words in The Perfumist. That was kind of annoying