Alka Joshi was born in India, immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 9, and is a Pacific Grove resident! She published her debut novel, The Henna Artist at the age of 62.

Escaping from an abusive marriage, 17-year-old Lakshmi flees to the vibrant 1950s city of Jaipur where she becomes the most highly requested henna artist. Years later, she is confronted by her husband who has tracked her down...Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman's struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascination, stark and cruel.

In this interview, Alka will share her inspirations for her work, how her mother's life story has influenced her writing, and what it's been like working on creating a Netflix series based on her books. Sign up and see other upcoming events at: https://libraryc.org/salinaspubliclibrary/17729

Questions? Contact Jissella at JissellaD [at] ci.salinas.ca.us